Zhang pens long letter to Inter: ‘Goodbyes are never easy’

Steven Zhang penned a long letter to Inter fans following the recent takeover of Oaktree, reflecting on his eight-year spell as president.

Zhang and owners Suning were forced to give up the Nerazzurri to the US fund earlier this week after failing to pay back around €395m in debts, stemming from a loan taken out back in May 2021.

Zhang had hoped to set up a new loan deal with Pimco but things collapsed at the last stage, leaving him with no time to find a resolution. Oaktree have now officially taken control of Inter and are expected to remain at the helm for a few years before selling the club on.

Inter experienced a number of highs and lows during Zhang’s eight-year spell as president, winning two Scudetti and reaching the Champions League final last term, which they lost to Manchester City in a close 1-0 defeat.

Zhang message to Inter

Writing on his Instagram page, Zhang penned a long letter to Inter fans, thanking them and bidding them farewell following his departure.

“Cari Interisti,

“Goodbyes are never easy, especially with a loved one. In life, everything has a beginning and an end. I always knew that one day I would have to say goodbye. The simple truth is, I was not ready and probably never would have been.

“Eight years ago, when a young man, who was 24 years old, stepped into San Siro to watch a football match for the first time, I had absolutely no idea what lay ahead of me. The incredible emotions I felt that day drove my decisions throughout these years.

“This unique black and blue world accepted me immediately, filling me with passion, joy and lots of love. I have grown so much on a personal level since then, and I will always carry this in my heart.

“At the beginning of my presidency, I made a promise to bring Inter back to its former glory. During these eight years, we have experienced seven trophies, two European finals, and topped the Serie A Championship twice.

“The legendary second star is a testament to our success. After significant investments and countless hours of work, Inter has transformed into a modern, innovative, and winning club at the pinnacle of European football.

“Over the past three days, I have received so many kind messages, calls, and posts from all of you. I must admit, this really made me feel loved but also made this goodbye even harder.

“Thanks to Inter, I have found people who today are like family to me, whom I will treasure for the rest of my life.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my managers, Ale and Beppe, Javier, Piero, Dario, Luca, Matteo, Angelo, Andrea, Lionel, Mark… who tolerated me, supported me, protected me, and taught me how to be president.

“I also want to thank all of our staff, who from Viale della Liberazione, Appiano, Interello, and San Siro worked diligently to grow and enable the incredible successes of our beloved Inter.

“My special thanks go to our former players and the current two-star Champions. Many of you treated me as a friend, including me as one of you, the bonding we had went far beyond just that between the president and the players.

“My deepest gratitude also goes to all of our coaches, especially to Simone Inzaghi, a man with true and strong values in his heart, who I’m so lucky to have had during my presidency.

“Finally, Inter wouldn’t be Inter without our amazing fans. Thank you all for your beautiful wishes. It really means the world to me during these emotional times. I can’t wait to join you in the stands of San Siro and chant for our Inter, perhaps from Curva Nord.

“To those who will carry on this legacy, please love our Inter, protect her people, and most importantly, respect her fundamental value. It is both a great honour and a great responsibility to take the stewardship of Inter.

“With love and care, Inter will repay you with tremendous achievements and joyful emotions. For me, it has been the greatest honour of my life.

“Forza Inter sempre. Amala! Sempre uno di Voi, Steven.”