Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio detailed the complex negotiations that brought Marcos Thuram to the club, revealing a key role played by the player’s father, Lilian Thuram, during an appearance at the Festival della Serie A in Parma. Ausilio explained that while Inter identified Thuram as a potential target two years prior, a knee injury delayed the move, ultimately allowing them to secure him on a free transfer.
According to Ausilio, Inter’s interest in Thuram stemmed from a belief he could excel as a central striker in their 3-5-2 formation, a role he wasn’t consistently playing at the time. He emphasized the importance of Italian ingenuity in the transfer market, stating, “We Italians have something more in terms of fantasy and strategies.” He recounted a conversation with Lilian Thuram, outlining the project at Inter and receiving the family’s approval.
The discussion at the festival, alongside Ariedo Braida, former director of AC Milan, also touched upon Lautaro Martinez’s near move to Atletico Madrid. Ausilio described flying during a Serie A matchday to secure an agreement with Racing Club, where Diego Milito assisted in the negotiations. Lautaro’s performance, scoring a hat-trick in the same match, subsequently altered the transfer dynamics and increased his value, requiring a restart to the negotiations.
Ausilio also highlighted the successful appointment of Cristian Chivu as Inter’s manager, praising his courage and suitability for the role following the disappointment of losing the Champions League final. He emphasized the unity within the team that led to their recent Scudetto victory, calling it the most meaningful title he’s been a part of. Looking ahead, Ausilio stressed the need for intelligent transfer dealings, ensuring that any departures are met with equally impactful replacements, and a continued focus on developing young talent, citing Pio Esposito as an example of their successful youth strategy.
Braida, reflecting on his time at AC Milan, recounted stories of securing key figures like Arrigo Sacchi and Kaká, often employing unconventional tactics to convince club ownership of their value. He also offered advice to Zlatan Ibrahimović in his new role as a Milan director, urging him to embrace humility and a willingness to learn.
