Vice President Massimo Moratti admits negotiations to sell Inter stocks to China are underway, but defers the decision to President Erick Thohir.
The Indonesian tycoon is believed to be planning to sell 20 per cent of the Nerazzurri's stocks, even though an internal meeting held by CEO Michael Bolingbroke claimed no sale would take place.
Moratti was intercepted and asked whether the Biscione was to be sold, and whether he would return himself in a leading role within the club.
Vice President Massimo Moratti admits negotiations to sell Inter stocks to China are underway, but defers the decision to President Erick Thohir.
The Indonesian tycoon is believed to be planning to sell 20 per cent of the Nerazzurri's stocks, even though an internal meeting held by CEO Michael Bolingbroke claimed no sale would take place.
Moratti was intercepted and asked whether the Biscione was to be sold, and whether he would return himself in a leading role within the club.
“Maybe some nostalgic fans will be happy to hear that, but for now I have to disclaim it all,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Thohir knows what he's doing and I'd never take an initiative.
“[Potential buyer] Wang Jing called me [back in 2012] to apologise, as he failed to get permission from the Beijing government [to buy 15 per cent of Inter's shares]. It was thoughtful, but in the meantime I'd found Thohir.
“It's early to say how things are going to end. We have to see whether they're not just interested but determined to see this through to the end. I do believe that we're talking about 20 per cent [of Inter's stocks].”
Moratti was then asked whether the Chinese investors would be willing to buy a substantial part of the club's stocks without assuming any executive power within the club, which is the deal Thohir is believed to be aiming for.
“You've got to ask him, not me. I'm just waiting to see whether the operation is valid. If I were persuaded that selling my 6 per cent of the club's stocks would strengthen Inter, then I could agree to it.
“Thohir seems very calm about looking for new capital. Yes, I have an agreement with him that allows me to sell my total 29.5 per cent of the stocks to him for an agreed price.”