Inter President Steven Zhang assures PSG transfer target Milan Skriniar will renew his contract, but also insists the club is ‘not for sale’ amid reports of a search for new investors.
The Nerazzurri secured their spot in the Champions League Round of 16 after a 4-0 home win over Viktoria Plzen, sending Barcelona into the Europa League.
Edin Dzeko bagged a brace, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s header and a late Romelu Lukaku strike on his comeback after two months out injured.
Considering how badly the start of the season was going, Inter have been vindicated in sticking with Simone Inzaghi.
“The coach is excellent, very resilient and when faced with difficulties he was able to overcome them,” Zhang told Sky Sport Italia.
“We all saw the quality of our squad and our coach.”
The influx of cash should help Inter also prepare an improved new contract offer for Skriniar, as Paris Saint-Germain are determined to sign the centre-back as a free agent next summer.
“Every year we try to improve the squad and this summer we did our best to make the team even more competitive. Skriniar is not for sale and he knows how much I want him to remain.
“I am confident we will be able to keep hold of him.”
Zhang was also asked about the many reports that Suning have hired two banks to find investors and new buyers for a potential takeover of Inter.
“The club has been at the centre of this speculation for the last two years. I am not talking to any investors and the club is not for sale as long as I am President of this club.
“Today’s result is the proof of the work we did here. The Inter fans want the best, so do we. With this qualification and over the last 18 months we won three trophies, something that had not happened for years before, so that means we made the right choices.
“We never settle and today proved we are a winning team both on and off the field. I dedicate this victory to the fans, as they deserve it. All the people who support us, even if they might criticise at times, but they want what is best for this club.”
Skriniar is not for sale? Does Zhang understand how a free transfer works?
On the upside, Inter made many fans in Catalonia cry today, which is always nice.