Erick Thohir has explained that his passion for Inter is why he took over the club, as he encourages the players to ‘enjoy themselves’ in order to succeed.
The 43-year-old has today discussed a number of aspects to life at the Nerazzurri, including why he chose to complete a takeover last autumn.
“Because I love Inter. And when I see the Nerazzurri’s glories of past I get excited,” he responded to the Corriere dello Sport.
Erick Thohir has explained that his passion for Inter is why he took over the club, as he encourages the players to ‘enjoy themselves’ in order to succeed.
The 43-year-old has today discussed a number of aspects to life at the Nerazzurri, including why he chose to complete a takeover last autumn.
“Because I love Inter. And when I see the Nerazzurri’s glories of past I get excited,” he responded to the Corriere dello Sport.
“I never imagined being a partner with Moratti and to become the owner of the club, but I had the opportunity and did not think twice.
“I had previously been offered a few clubs in the Premier League, not at the top, but if you are not in love with a team then it is tough.
“To do things well, in addition to correct business, you also need passion. And I have so much passion for Inter.
“I’m not a businessman who only wanted a company with a strong brand in which to do business. I also wanted a team with a great history, a club I feel for. Inter is all about that.
“I did the same thing when I invested in the Philadelphia 76ers, they were my second favourite franchise behind the Los Angeles Lakers. Passion is important.
“Does that conflict with business? I answer by telling you the same thing I have said to the player, to invite them to have fun when they play. In that sense, it is easier to meet the expectations of all of us.
“To compete at the highest levels you must have the desire, motivation and involvement in a project. If one is not happy to be at Inter, he cannot give 100 per cent.
“I’m not in Milan because I want to be glamorous, because it leads me to fame or because I want to end up in the newspapers. I do not want any of this and it is why I do not like people looking into my personal life.
“I am here because I want to see the good of Inter, to return this club to being competitive and to win. I do not mean to put pressure on the players and on the Coach and I say that results will arrive more simply if during the week and on Sundays we having fun in this profession. And I repeat the same thing to people who work at the club, in all areas.
“I come from the other side of the world to Milan, I do not spend many hours on a plane for business, but because I am happy to be here. I enjoy doing what I do. I am never tired for Inter.”
Thohir was asked what he has changed at the club already.
“When I arrived, many were asking me to do everything at once, but it was not possible because I had to first understand many aspects – taxes, the organisation of the club, and more.
“I’ve been at Inter from November 15, and I have had little time. The structure must be right according to me, but for this I need time, also to create the right feeling with the people with whom I will work.
“I want to convey to all the vision that I have for this club and only when the process is complete, will you be able to give the first feedback on my work.
“Do not listen to gossip or rumours. For me what counts are the results, which can only be achieved by building a strong management team where everyone plays their role well. For example, I cannot take to the field like the players saying, ‘I’ll play today’. I am fat and run very little, but I can be useful at Inter.”