Steven Zhang this Saturday he broke the silence and entrusted to Instagram his long farewell letter toInter, after the move from Suning to Oaktree. Zhang, still Nerazzurri president given the technical time needed for the new Board of Directors and the appointment of the new number one, addressed the Beloved fans thus: “Dear Inter fans, farewells are never easy, especially when you have to say goodbye to someone you love. In the life, everything has a beginning and an end. I always knew that one day I would have to say goodbye to you. The simple truth is that I wasn’t ready and probably never would be.
Eight years ago, when as a 24-year-old I entered the San Siro for the first time to watch a football match, I had absolutely no idea what awaited me. The incredible emotions I felt that day have guided my decisions all these years. This unique Nerazzurri world accepted me immediately, filling me with passion, joy and lots of love. Since then I have grown a lot on a personal level, and I will carry all of this forever in my heart.
At the beginning of my presidency I promised to bring Inter back to the top, where it had always been. In these eight years we have won seven trophies, two European finals and we have won the Serie A championship twice. The legendary Second Star is a testimony to our success. After important investments and countless hours of work, Inter has transformed itself into a modern, innovative and successful club, at the highest level of European football.
Over the last three days I have received so many messages, calls and posts from all of you. I have to admit, this made me feel loved, but it also made this goodbye even more difficult. Thanks to Inter, I found people who are like family to me today, who I will treasure for the rest of my life.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my managers, Ale and Beppe, Javier, Piero, Dario, Luca, Matteo, Angelo, Andrea, Lionel, Mark… who put up with me, supported me, protected me and who taught me how to be president. I also want to thank all our staff, who from Viale della Liberazione, Appiano, Interello and San Siro have worked diligently to grow the Club and achieve the incredible successes of our beloved Inter.
Special thanks go to our former and current players
Two-star champions. Many of you treated me like a friend, including me in your group as if I were one of you, the bond we had went far beyond that between president and players. My deepest gratitude also goes to all our coaches, in particular to Simone Inzaghi, a man with true and strong values in his heart, who I was lucky enough to have during my presidency.
Finally, Inter wouldn’t be Inter without our fantastic fans. Thank you all for your beautiful messages. It really means a lot to me in these very emotional moments. I can’t wait to join you in the stands of San Siro and sing for our Inter, perhaps from the Curva Nord.
To those who will take this Club forward, I ask you to love our Inter, to protect its people and, above all, to respect its fundamental value. It is a great honor and a great responsibility to take charge of Inter. With love and care, Inter will repay you with enormous results, emotions and joy. For me it was the greatest honor of my life.
Forza Inter Always. Love her!
Always one of you, Steven.”