Inter Milan President Calls Oaktree Capital Ownership ‘A Guarantee For The Future’ & Outlines 2024-25 Objectives | OneFootball

Inter Milan President Beppe Marotta feels that the ownership of Oaktree Capital provides “a guarantee for the future” for the Nerazzurri.

Marotta spoke at Inter’s Board of Directors meeting, via FCInterNews. He also outlined the Nerazzurri’s goals for the 2024-25 season.

This year marked a big change for Inter behind the scenes.

Going into 2024, Suning were the owners of the Nerazzurri. They had been at the helm since 2017.

However, there had long been signs of turmoil in Suning’s ownership of Inter.

This was the result of financial problems that had plagued the club since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suning took on a massive loan from US fund Oaktree Capital in the spring of 2021. This was to keep the club stable amid gargantuan operating losses.

And in each year since then, the financial situation at Inter has improved.

But this was not enough to allow Suning to repay what they owed to Oaktree. And since Suning essentially put Inter up as collateral for the loan, control of the club passed into the hands of Oaktree.

Inter President Beppe Marotta Calls Oaktree Ownership “A Guarantee For The Future”

It had long been speculated that if Oaktree were to take over at Inter, it would not be for long.

The US fund reportedly had no interest in running a major European football club. Therefore, there intention would be to sell it for a profit quickly.

But that is not what has happened.

When Oaktree took over in May, they immediately signalled their intention to actually run the club.

Reportedly, the US fund feel that they can significantly increase the club’s value over the next few years.

And it is not as though Oaktree have not put their stamp on the Nerazzurri.

Behind the scenes, the new owners decided to make Marotta – a veteran executive who has guided Inter through a tough period and already CEO of Sport – club President.

Marotta replaced Steven Zhang.

And while that appointment signified continuity with the project under Suning, Oaktree also have their own ideas.

The US owners have reportedly made it a mandate to focus on youth rather than signing veteran players.

And Oaktree are reportedly ready to shake things up behind the scenes. Corporate CEO Alessandro Antonello will reportedly depart Inter soon.

And moreover, the US fund are capable of injecting cash into the Nerazzurri in the short term – something Suning couldn’t really do.

Inter President Marotta said that “Oaktree’s ownership represents a guarantee for the future.”

He continued that “Being President is an honour, but also carries a sense of responsiblity.”

“In the example of Fraizzoli, Pellegrini, Facchetti, and Moratti.”

Then, Marotta outlined what Inter want this campaign. “The objectives for the 2024-25 season will be: Compete at the highest level in Italy in Europe.”

“Restore the club’s finances,” he continued.

“Work on the new stadium project. And strengthen the training facilities.”