The ownership change of FC Internazionale Milano (Inter) from the Chinese fund Suning to the American fund Oaktree is now official. Following the club’s failure to repay 395 million euros to Oaktree Capital Management, the new owner takes over.
A chapter filled with success comes to a close
Zhang Jindong, president of the Suning Group, purchased Inter on June 6, 2016. The Chinese presidency brought the team closer to the glorious memories cherished by nostalgic fans. The 8 years have passed quickly, but they conclude with 7 trophies: 2 League Titles, 3 Super Cups, and 2 Italian Cups. Despite having regularly participated in recent years, there is great regret about not winning the Champions League. Especially after losing the final 1-0 against Manchester City last June 10 at Wembley Stadium, London.
Steven Zhang’s tenure as president
The Suning group purchased 68.55% ownership, and the reins soon passed to Steven, son of entrepreneur Zhang Jindong. Thus, Steven became the youngest president in Inter’s history.
Despite his young age, together with his collaborators, he managed to bring Inter almost back to its former glories. His first significant move was hiring Giuseppe Marotta. Among the main acquisitions and the selection of top-tier coaches (such as Antonio Conte from 2019-2021 and Simone Inzaghi, in charge since 2021), the following stand out:
- Romelu Lukaku: 74 million from Manchester United
- Nicolò Barella: 12 million on loan from Cagliari (redeemed for 25)
- Achraf Hakimi: 43 million from Real Madrid
- Edin Dzeko: 1.5 million from Roma
- Hakan Calhanoglu: free transfer from Milan
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan: free transfer from Roma
- Pavard: 30 million from Bayern
“Leading the Club has been the greatest honor of my life”
A painful but necessary farewell for the second most successful president in the club’s history, this is what seems to emerge from the latest statements of the Chinese entrepreneur.
“Dear Interisti, farewells are never easy, especially when you have to say goodbye to someone you love. 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 that I wasn’t ready, and I probably never would be.”
This is just the beginning of the long farewell letter written for the fans, in which Steven Zhang thanks them for the affection received and extols the value of the club.
If you want to learn more about the soccer culture in Italy:
- Italy’s Four World Cups
- Italy’s World Cups: here are all the goals of the first, in 1934
- History of Italian “Calcio”: 1900 to 1980
- History of Italian “Calcio”: 1980 to 2010
- The History of Florentine Soccer and its Origins
- Gianluigi Buffon, the world champion, has retired his gloves
- Pelé in Italy: A Journey of Soccer Magic
- Roberto Baggio
