Inter President Erick Thohir believes that Serie A will soon be able to compete with the best Leagues in Europe.
Inter President Erick Thohir believes that Serie A will soon be able to compete with the best Leagues in Europe.
The Indonesian businessman bought the Nerazzurri off of Massimo Moratti earlier in the season, and is set to plough millions into the club during the summer and over the coming years.
And with a few tweaks, the tycoon claims that other Italian sides will be able to join some of the continent’s big guns.
“I have invested, as we know, not just in Italy but also in the United States,” he told Federico Donato at an Asian investors in Italy gala.
“But in terms of football, Italy is one of the biggest markets, and I’m sure will succeed again and compete with other European Leagues.
“I believe that I have invested just at the right time. But the goal now is to turn this into more of a business.
“We have to change the environment if we want to compete with foreign Leagues.”
Thohir went on to outline what Serie A needs to do to be alongside the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga.
“Italy has a good foundation – the national team is one of the best and there’s always a host of talented players coming through.
“It’s a good thing to invest in Milan, Juventus and Inter because they are strong brands known all over the world.
“There is a great opportunity for these three to compete with the best teams in Europe, but these three teams alone cannot survive, and cannot make a good League.
“Looking at other Leagues, you can see that the Asian market is a big one. The Premier League for example plays games at favourable times for that market.
“In Italy though, all the best games are in the evening, so the catchment area cannot increase.
“Or, look at the NBA coming to Europe, and the MLB going to play in Australia. Serie A, I think, should do the same.
“Maybe one day we will see Milan-Inter in Singapore.”