MILAN – President Erick Thohir left Milan this evening but he’ll be back in two weeks’ time. That’s what he told a crowd of journalists as he fielded their questions on his way out of the Saras offices this afternoon after meeting honorary president Massimo Moratti.

He began by stressing the constructive relationship between himself and the Morattis: "We’ve always had good relations with the Moratti family. I think when Mr Moratti and his family chose me, they wanted someone who was credible and hard-working and who shared their same vision."

One of the hot topics in recent days has been Zanetti’s future and a mooted meeting between the captain and the president. He said: "I promised to see him on this trip but because of the meetings with Nike, the banks, the coach and some other commercial people it wasn’t possible. It doesn’t mean that it’s not important or that I don’t respect him but sometimes meetings just pile up."

Erick Thohir has also been busy trying to uphold and promote Nerazzurri tradition: "We’re building Inter Forever so I’m having discussions with people like Francesco Toldo,  Materazzi and Brehme. They’re all legends so we’re looking at how we can build something together. I’m open to discussions with anybody who’s part of the Inter family."

On his next visit to Milan: "I’ll be back in two weeks’ time for more meetings. We need to prepare for the 2014/15 season, and not only the team but also the business side. We’re planning to build an academy here and work with website companies in other countries. I need to review things every month."

Finally, he was asked about Mateo Kovacic: "He’s a great player. The coach is using him from the bench at the moment. He needs to grow and show the coach and everybody that he deserves to be a starter in the future."

APPIANO GENTILE – "I’m happy here at Inter and I’m playing a lot. It’s
not an easy season but I’m happy here," stressed Rolando during an
interview with Sky Sport Italia.

The discussion with the defender covered many topics, beginning with his
rapport with Walter Mazzarri. Rolando recounted how he’s giving his all in
order to repay his coach: "He made his trust in me clear and I’m doing the
best I can when I play."

The defender was asked about Inter’s objectives for this season: "An
important club like Inter always has to aim high, but this is a transition year
and last year was a difficult one. At any rate, the least we can do is qualify
for Europe.

"Words from the president are always important for players, and
when Erick Thohir is here it’s important to us. His time with Inter has only
just begun. He’s learning what it means to be the Nerazzurri president. I’m
sure he’ll do a good job," stated the defender when asked about the Inter
president.

He then added: "It’s going to be a very tough game against Roma, but
I’m not afraid of anything or anyone, although I know they’re a great team
having a great season. But we’re capable of playing a great game if we perform as
we know how. Totti? He’s one of the greats."

Then he commented on the fact that Inter have yet to receive a penalty
in their favour this season: "It’s strange, and I’ve never had a season
like this without a penalty. Anyway, we’re doing everything we can to play our
game."

A question as to whether Fredy Guarin has truly ‘returned’ as
journalists have been saying: "He’s the same as he’s always been, but
perhaps charged up even more. He’s seen that the fans want him here and support
him, and that we want him too."

Regarding the team’s future, a comment on Nemanja Vidic: "Should he
come here I think he’d give us a big hand. He’s a great champion."

Finally, a question on Samuel Eto’o; lately there’s been talk on the forward
possibly coming to Inter next season, should he leave Chelsea: "He’s a
player who has won everything. I’ll just leave it at that."

And what about Rolando’s future? "It’s not an easy question to
respond to. I’ll try to help the team as long as I can, then we’ll see what
happens. I chose to come here, even though there were other options. So I think
it’s rather easy to see what I’d like to do."

Doppia seduta di allenamento oggi a Veronello per i ragazzi di mister Corini. Nella seduta mattutina i gialloblù hanno svolto un lavoro atletico di forza e resistenza alla velocità, mentre nel pomeriggio dopo una fase di riscaldamento tecnico sono state proposte una serie di esercitazioni “2 contro 1”, “3 contro 2” e partite tattiche finali. Tutti disponibili i giocatori della rosa gialloblù.