Beppe Marotta has opened up on his 50-year career in football, revealing he opposed the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, reflecting on his emotional departure from the club, and admitting that winning the Champions League with Inter Milan could bring his extraordinary journey to a close.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, via Goal, the Inter president was candid about the Ronaldo decision.
“I was not in agreement on the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, but my time at Juventus did not end because of that,” he said.
“When the ownership takes a step forward, the manager must take a step back.” He also revealed the remarkable circumstances of his move to Inter, receiving a message from an unknown number signed by Zhang the day after leaving Juventus, which led to one of the most consequential appointments in Italian football.
PISA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Pisa SC and FC Internazionale at Arena Garibaldi on November 30, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Marotta dismisses Mourinho comparison and hits back at ‘Marotta League’ criticism
On his ultimate ambition, Marotta was reflective.
“My next dream? It would be too easy to say the Champions League,” he said. “Of course I want to win it with Inter. My teams have played four finals and lost them all. If we won the Champions League, I could go into retirement.”
Asked about José Mourinho’s claim that none of Chivu’s players would have featured in his 2010 treble side, Marotta pushed back firmly.
“I believe the players who won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia are great athletes and champions,” he said. “It is not right to compare athletes from different eras.”
On the social media criticism directed at him under the hashtag MarottaLeague, the Inter president was equally direct.
“Those keyboard warriors know nothing about the people they talk about,” he said. “They rush to judge without knowing. All they do is throw mud.”
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