Massimo Moratti accepts Lionel Messi ‘isn’t leaving Barcelona’ but also that Inter striker Lautaro Martinez will find ‘it hard to say no’ to the Catalans.
Moratti has long campaigned for Messi’s arrival at Inter, but he now admits there is no chance of him moving away from Barca.
“He’s everyone’s waking dream,” the former Nerazzurri owner told Gr Parlamento.
“Even today he’s the best in the world, but he isn’t leaving Barcelona.”
Massimo Moratti accepts Lionel Messi ‘isn’t leaving Barcelona’ but also that Inter striker Lautaro Martinez will find ‘it hard to say no’ to the Catalans.
Moratti has long campaigned for Messi’s arrival at Inter, but he now admits there is no chance of him moving away from Barca.
“He’s everyone’s waking dream,” the former Nerazzurri owner told Gr Parlamento.
“Even today he’s the best in the world, but he isn’t leaving Barcelona.”
The 75-year-old then passed judgment on successor Steven Zhang, who is the youngest President in the club’s history.
"Zhang is a sensitive and intelligent lad, who approached [the role of President] with great sincerity and a strong sense of duty.
“Even without tradition and memories, I appreciate him very much for how he’s taken on the role with a sense of responsibility.”
Were Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala ever close to Inter?
“[Luis] Suarez recommended him to me, but he was too expensive. [Erick] Thohir recommended Dybala to me when he was still at Palermo.
“He’s a player I like very much, he has everything to win people over.”
Finally, Moratti was asked about Antonio Conte comparisons with Jose Mourinho, the prospect of Martinez heading to Camp Nou, Sandro Tonali and Erling Haaland.
“It’s difficult to make comparisons between coaches. They’re two very serious professionals, but they work with great intensity.
“They really believe in themselves. Conte puts in his soul and is doing well. I have a lot of faith in him.
“It all depends on what Lautaro wants to do. I’ve read that Barcelona are making him some exorbitant offers, to which it’s hard to say ‘no’.
“Tonali’s an excellent player, but we have Sensi. I’d have liked to take Haaland, but we already have Lukaku.”