Thank You, Massimo: A tribute to the greatest gentleman in Italian football

Uno di noi!

Two days ago, the final link to the greatness of Massimo Moratti at Inter was severed. El Presidente himself finally stepped down as Inter's honorary president, forsaking his participation in the club's management for good and leaving it completely in the hands of Thohir in that sense. 

I've sensed a friction between the old and new boss ever since Thohir arrived. Perhaps it was because of Thohir's systematic changing of many things that were "Moratti" at Inter (the insignificant change of the logo, getting rid of the "Senatori" - especially Cambiasso etc.) I never thought I would have to worry about Inter supporting a racist president of the Federation, but despite being contrary to what this club has had in its DNA since the day it was founded, it has come to pass. Our club has lost its personality and soul, and must now begin the search of a new one. I sure as hell hope the new world Thohir creates for us Interisti will be half as good as the one Moratti had. 

There's probably a lot going on in the mind of this great man these days. He has given so much to football and football has given so much back to him, especially on that fantastic, unforgettable night in Madrid. I cannot imagine how hard this choice must have been for him, after spending years struggling with the idea that he had to let go. I knew this moment would come myself, though I personally was not quite prepared for it.

This man has given more to this club, not just in terms of finance, but also in terms of emotion, than anyone else in the world ever could! He is the greatest fan this club can ever have. Though I have to admit to myself He is partly at fault that Inter did not use the Treble as a springboard to greater success, but came to ruin instead - what I will miss about this man is the image he gave to our club. Moratti has been elegance personified for the last 19 years, and this always transferred to our club. Take the countless words of countless great names of football that have had nothing but the best to say about our President and you will know what it meant to be a gentleman in a world of businessmen. 

P.S. I have a crazy vision of them returning one day, with lessons well learned, taking back what is theirs. Ultimately, Inter has always been Moratti and Moratti has always been Inter. 

Thank You for a magnificent rollercoaster ride lasting 19 years! Goodbye, Massimo. You will be greatly missed!