FC Inter have reached a deal with a group of Chinese investors that will give the Chinese a minority stake in the club, and which has to lead to the construction of a new stadium.
The deal was described by Massimo Moratti, president and main shareholder of Inter, as follows:
“There’s a minority holding which is likely to increase as more investors join this group and the main aim is to build a new stadium – that’s what the agreement with China Railway is really about and it’s a very important one for Inter. I must say I think it’s also important for Milan and Europe because it’s the first time this company has made an investment in Europe, yet it’s a company that is present all over the world.”
The Chinese investor group is led by (a subsidary of) China Railway Construction Company, a state-owned construction and real-estate company. They will receive a minority stakeholding of 15% in Inter, and in return partner the club in the construction of a new stadium. The exact terms of the agreement are however not known.
While Inter stated the both parties will together explore the possible locations for a new stadium, the Chinese let out that it is likely going to be built in the municipality of San Donato Milanese.
San Donato is a suburb of Milan, located just outside the city limits at about 7 kilometres south-east of Milan’s historic centre. A move to San Donato would relocate the club to exactly the other side of the city in comparison to its current home, San Siro.
Inter hopes to be able to move into their new stadium in 2017. Capacity will likely be around 60,000 seats.
Inter is one of many Italian clubs that hopes to follow the lead of Juventus and build a club-owned stadium. Udinese announced their plans for the renovation of Stadio Friuli last month, and AS Roma is expected to announce the site of their new stadium in September.