King Of World Football

Chapter 647: A New Identity

When Wang Feng shone brightly in the Century Derby, dominating the headlines of global sports news, another bombshell news about him was also disclosed.

That is, the Chinese superstar completed a change of identity by purchasing 80% of the shares of Serie A's Inter Milan for 300 million euros, becoming the largest shareholder of the club! Strictly speaking, it was his Feng Yao Group that invested in controlling shares, but Wang Feng was already the absolute controlling person of the group, so it was essentially him having complete control over the club.

The world was shocked for a moment. This was the first active superstar in the history of European football to become the helmsman of a top five league team, and not just any ordinary club, but a traditional powerhouse!

For Inter Milan fans, this news brought mixed feelings. From the depths of their hearts, they respected and admired Wang Feng, the best player in the team's history. Five league titles and three Champions League titles were enough to become the most glorious era in the club's history.

But could the Chinese superstar manage the team well? Should they curse him if he mismanaged it?

Soon, one of the leaders of the Feng Yao Group, Renee, stepped forward to dispel everyone's doubts. He held a press conference to announce that the group would dispatch professionals to manage investment and youth training operations, while the club's main management would still be undertaken by the Moratti family.

Of course, the entire Inter Milan board of directors would be reorganized, with nine senior executives from the Feng Yao Group joining, ending the previous Moratti family's autocratic situation.

However, Moratti himself remained the club president, with his eldest son, Angelomario, serving as the vice chairman.

The elderly Italian expressed his gratitude to Wang Feng and his group for their "timely assistance" to Inter Milan. With the overall decline of Serie A, the Nerazzurri could only barely get by.

After being suppressed by Juventus for several years, last summer Moratti decided to sell 15% of the shares to the wealthy Indonesian businessman Huang Jianhua, of Chinese descent, to raise funds for reinforcement.

Out of goodwill towards the Chinese and his powerful capabilities, Moratti didn't even ask for bank guarantees before signing the contract, which was understandable given Huang Jianhua's reputation.

This beautiful countryman was the first dragon descendant to step into the New York Stock Exchange, ranking 39th on the Forbes rich list in 2011. He owned several sports clubs including the New York Yankees, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Northeast Tigers.

How Huang Jianhua made his fortune was unknown to the public. All that was known was that he was born into an intellectual family in a coastal city, practiced badminton since childhood, which might be the reason for his passion for sports.

After graduating from Columbia University, he began working at the New York Stock Exchange and gradually integrated into the Wall Street financial circle. Starting from private wealth management, he transitioned to his own investments.

After successfully acquiring the Cleveland Cavaliers, Huang Jianhua's reputation skyrocketed. "Investing in the Cavaliers is only a small part of our plan. Next, we want to build a sports empire!"

Investing in Inter Milan was not his first expression of intention to enter the football field. Three years ago, he extended an olive branch to the Premier League's Liverpool, but due to insufficient funds and other reasons, the matter ultimately fell through.

Compared to the last time, Huang Jianhua seemed to be better prepared this time, and acquiring the Nerazzurri was much easier than buying a Premier League giant.

After all, Premier League teams receive more attention than Italian teams and have the most optimistic development prospects, with no shortage of large capital interventions.

Huang Jianhua didn't approach Inter Milan alone but collaborated with the Chairman of the Poly Group and the Executive Director of New World Department Store, further dispelling Moratti's doubts.

However, after the three signed the contract, they immediately disappeared, not only making the Nerazzurri a laughingstock but also deepening the club's deficit. Due to the "black intermediary" issue, the club's financial deficit increased from 70 million euros to 80 million euros.

Inter Milan also considered litigation, but it was bound to be protracted, and the club would collapse before the money arrived.

At this time, an Indonesian tycoon, Torchi, extended a helping hand, expressing willingness to take over Inter Milan and solve the financial problems, but he requested a complete acquisition, meaning the Nerazzurri would have no connection with the Moratti family from then on, which the Italians could not accept.

The Nerazzurri were suddenly in a precarious situation.

Knowing Wang Feng's intention to invest in European clubs during a conversation with retired Ronaldo, Moratti immediately contacted the Chinese superstar, persuading him to pay attention to Inter Milan. "You are the most suitable candidate, with both the strength and the fan base. I can rest assured handing Inter Milan over to you."

To be honest, Wang Feng had no intention of getting involved in Serie A again, but from an investment perspective, buying Inter Milan was a profitable deal, with the football market and the volume of the top five leagues there.

Moreover, he wanted to expand his own youth training program. Relying solely on the Genk family club was too little. With the Nerazzurri's training system, the scale of personnel would definitely increase significantly.

At that time, more outstanding but financially disadvantaged football talents from China could come to the top European club training camp of Inter Milan. Talent would emerge in large numbers.

After several months of negotiations, both parties finalized the details of the investment cooperation. Moratti's continued tenure as club president was also what Wang Feng hoped for. The Italian not only had rich management experience but also had a deep love for the Nerazzurri.

As for the Feng Yao Group, besides spending 300 million euros to purchase shares, they would also spend 200 million euros to cover the club's financial deficit and transfer work. Coupled with the streamlining of existing players, it was enough to deal with the current situation.

It was expected to take at least two years to turn losses into profits and recover costs, followed by a phase of profitability.

Ronaldo admitted in an interview that he had facilitated Wang Feng's acquisition of the Nerazzurri. "He is a leader that everyone will approve of, isn't he?"

"Wang is a good player, and he will be a good boss too. I believe that with his help, the Nerazzurri can get back on track."

Moratti felt deeply moved in his heart. Although the two had disagreements and quarrels, there was more admiration and gratitude. During that dark period, Inter Milan never gave up on themselves.

"The Moratti era of Inter Milan was always full of passion. He dedicated everything to the team, and it's something everyone is delighted to see him continue to manage."

When the news was announced, a group of old friends such as Zanetti and Ribery contacted Wang Feng to congratulate him on becoming the club's owner. Ribery even jokingly said, "The boss has become the boss. Can you take care of me next? At least let me choose my next home before selling me."

Wang Feng couldn't help but smile wryly, "You just stay retired at Inter Milan. This is a result that I, Moratti, and countless fans are happy to see."

The Nerazzurri achieved ten consecutive Serie A titles. While Wang Feng was recognized as the most important contributor to the first five titles, Ribery made significant contributions to the latter five.

Although at that time Juventus and AC Milan were still experiencing the aftermath of "Calciopoli," this historic achievement in Serie A was still shining brightly. Ribery retired at the club, which was only natural.