Former Inter President Massimo Moratti explains how he went to sign Eric Cantona, but “fell in love with Paul Ince” instead.
Moratti had some of the greatest players pass through San Siro, including Ronaldo, Samuel Eto’o and Diego Simeone, but there were also some near misses.
Former Inter President Massimo Moratti explains how he went to sign Eric Cantona, but “fell in love with Paul Ince” instead.
Moratti had some of the greatest players pass through San Siro, including Ronaldo, Samuel Eto’o and Diego Simeone, but there were also some near misses.
“The one who got away was Cantona. He’s a player and a person who I was crazy about. Fate made it so after watching him dozens of times on television, I went for the first time to attend Manchester United against Crystal Palace, the game where he kicked a fan in the chest.
“It was not a good gesture, but amid that chaos I fell in love with Paul Ince, who I already appreciated as a player. Ince was throwing himself at everyone, police, opponents, fans and stewards, to defend his teammate. It might be strange to say this, but in those fists flying I saw more desire to protect than to inflict violence.
“It’s no coincidence that then Ince came to Inter, while unfortunately for Cantona we never had the right timing. I visited him many times, but he had become tired of football after the ban and retired two years later.”
Midfielder Ince wore the Nerazzurri jersey from 1995 to 1997, scoring 13 goals in 73 competitive appearances.