Inter set for sponsor change?
Today’s edition of the pink newspaper claims that the Nerazzurri want to replace the tyre manufacturer (who has been its main sponsor since the 1995-1996 season, when it replaced Fiorucci) with Manchester City backer Etihad. The UAE-based company has already made a splash on the Italian scene by buying 49% of Alitalia’s shares, and is already well-known in the football world.
The Arab airline is ready to make an offer of €25 million over 5 years. This would be nothing less than a coup for the Beneamata, who would dwarf both Milan and Juventus, who both currently receive only €17 million, from Emirates and Fiat respectively.
An important caveat is that the full sum will only be paid out if the Nerazzurri ensure Champions League qualification.
Roberto Mancini is said to have played a key role in the negotiations, as he was contacted by Etihad to mediate between the two parts and to endorse Manchester City’s sponsor.
Inter Milan’s contract with Pirelli expires at the end of the season. Having been taken over by a Chinese conglomerate, the tyre giant is not so keen to pay the Nerazzurri the €20 million a year they want.
This scoop could, of course, only be an attempt by Inter to obtain a better deal. Nike, who also sponsor Inter, don’t want things to drag on.
