ESPN FC: Inter Milan get their man
ESPN FC: Inter Milan get their man
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Inter Milan president Erick Thohir on Friday denied rumours he is considering the sale of his share in DC United to raise funds for his current club.
"I would like to reaffirm the position of both D.C. United and F.C. Internazionale Milano as part of my football portfolio," Thohir said via statement. "These assets are integral parts of my international sports investment strategy and I look forward to growing both brands well into the future. "I deny, in no uncertain terms, recent media reports which indicated otherwise. "My commitment and dedication to both DCU and Inter is unwavering, and I am focused on producing results both on and off the pitch at both clubs."
According to the Italian business newspaper, Il Sole 24 Ore, Inter currently have debts of "around 200 million euros." The report alleged that Thohir was keen to keep his private funds and his business ventures apart, and would use the revenue from the sale of the Major League Soccer club to reduce that debt without touching his own money.
DC United, however, is in the process of negotiating a $300 million stadium deal with Washington, D.C. Should Thohir retain his investment in D.C. United until construction is complete, he would maximize the value of any proposed sale.
Apart from owning DC United and Inter, the media mogul also controls Indonesian club Persib Bandlung.
Thohir made his first material investment in the Serie A club, after purchasing a majority share from former president Massimo Moratti with two business partners, by signing Hernanes from Lazio for a fee which could rise to 20 million euros.
However, with the Nerazzurri currently sitting only in sixth place in Serie A and with Thohir already announcing his intention to reduce the average age of the side, more investment is due to follow in the summer.
Italian media reports also speculated that Thohir was keen on appointing one of DC United's top managers, Michael Williamson, to replace director of sport Marco Branca, who is to be relieved of his duties in the summer, according to reports in Italy.
Branca, under fire following the breakdown of negotiations with Juventus over a swap deal involving Fredy Guarin and Mirko Vucinic, has not been involved in the official unveilings of new arrivals Danilo D'Ambrosio and Ruben Botta in recent days, suggesting he is no longer required by the club.
Criticised for making several unsuccessful signings, a Facebook parody video of Branca is currently going viral in Italy.
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City clash will focus Barcelona, says Pedro
Pedro feels facing Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League last 16 could prepare Barcelona better for the latter stages.
Defending La Liga champions Barca have reached the semi-finals of Europe’s premier club competition for the last six seasons, but succumbed to a 7-0 aggregate defeat to eventual winners Bayern Munich last term.
Barca, who last won the Champions League in 2011, face a tough task to reach the quarter-finals this year, with Premier League title challengers City awaiting in the first knockout round.
However, ahead of Tuesday’s first leg at the Etihad Stadium, Pedro believes that taking on one of the better sides left in the competition at this early stage could prove to be a positive for Barca.
“Definitely,” Pedro told The Guardian when asked if City were the most difficult opponent they could have drawn.
“You try to avoid the strongest teams (by winning the group) but we knew we could get them. There are no easy games? Perhaps, but there are easier games.
“There are some opponents you prefer, that’s the truth. Maybe this way we will be even more focused than ever, though, because we know how difficult it is.”
Pedro has made 27 starts for Barca this season under coach Gerardo Martino’s policy of squad rotation.
The Spain international understands Martino’s need to keep his side fresh, but hinted that he would consider leaving Camp Nou if he was unhappy with the number of starting opportunities.
“Tata (Martino) is doing very well, pacing us,” Pedro added. “It’s important that you’re in the right shape at the end of the season. Last year against Bayern we were missing key players and we were a notch below our level physically.
“Of course, I want to play every game but you have to accept rotations and understand that other players are in good form.
“Football’s a team game. Even when you think you should be playing more, you have to stay positive for when the opportunities arise.
“If not, then at the end of the season you analyse the situation and look for the best solution.”
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