Inter Milan owner does not rule out bid for Lionel Messi
Italian giants Inter Milan president Erick Thohir has said he would waste no time in trying to sign Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi. The Indonesian business magnate expressed his desire to add the Argentine magician to his side if the latter ever decided to leave the Catalans in search of a new challenge.
This comes on the back of former Manchester United, Chelsea and Argentina star Juan Sebastian Veron’s recent statements regarding Messi. Veron had revealed that the Barca talisman had once expressed his desire to play for the Nerazzurri to him.
Thohir was quick to add his views on Veron’s revelations as he took the club's official Twitter account.
"Messi to Inter? Why not! When he finishes his contract with Barcelona, he'd be a great signing," he said via the club's official Twitter account.
"Our strategy is clear: we want to take Inter to the place we deserve, among the best 10 clubs in the world.”
"We're first in the standings after 17 games. We're a solid team, with a great desire to win.”
"We're building a young, strong team, with the guidance of Roberto Mancini, to compete with the best clubs in the world."
Thohir has brought in a steady rise in Inter’s fortunes so far
Erick Thohir who also co-owns Major League Soccer franchise D.C United, became the majority stakeholder of Inter Milan as he acquired a 70% controlling stake from former president Massimo Moratti in 2013. Following the sale, the Indonesian was also appointed the president of the club with Moratti remaining with the club as honorary president.
Ever since the arrival of Thohir at the helm of the club, Inter have seen a steady rise in their performances. The businessman has not shied away from investing significantly into the club. He has also time and again expressed his desire to get Inter back to its glory days and among Europe’s elite.
He brought in the experienced Italian tactician Roberto Mancini last year for his second term at the club to spearhead the revival of Inter’s fortunes. And the Italian has been successful so far as the Nerazzurri have had a great start to the season as they stand at the summit of the Serie A table going into the Christmas break. They have accumulated an impressive 36 points from 17 games so far and look like genuine title contenders.