Following the passing of Internazionale legend Sandro Mazzola, former Inter president Massimo Moratti spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport, reminiscing about Mazzola's playing career, personality, and his work as a club executive after retirement.

The "Grande Inter" built by your father, Angelo, has lost an iconic figure.

This is a very sad day. I saw him six months ago, and at the time, I thought he was in good spirits, although I knew he sometimes went through difficult periods. It's regrettable that we weren't able to meet again recently to say goodbye. Now, there is an endless sense of nostalgia in my heart, and that nostalgia will always remain, because he brought us so many wonderful things and so much joy.

The new generation might not know this player very well anymore, but for us, he was always there, because he left us with so many beautiful memories.

As a player, what characteristics of Mazzola did you like the most?

His dribbling and his very quick shots. Many of his shots were also very powerful, but what really set him apart was the way he executed them. Because his leg swing was so fast, defenders never had enough time to react.

He could play almost any position between midfield and attack.

During my father's time at Internazionale, I remember him playing more as a trequartista, or almost as a center-forward. Later, over time, he gradually dropped back into midfield, and he was equally excellent in that position. He was a treasure to football.

Mazzola's last interview before his death was with La Gazzetta dello Sport. At that time, he apologized to Roberto Boninsegna because he hadn't spoken out against the famous swap deal involving Boninsegna and Juventus player Pietro Anastasi. Boninsegna, while thanking Mazzola, told us that he had once advised Mazzola not to drop back to play as a deep-lying playmaker, because in attack, Mazzola was indispensable alongside him.

Their conversation deeply moved me. However, I agree with Boninsegna that Mazzola was at his best in the attacking third.

If you could turn back time, what is your earliest memory of Mazzola?

I remember that Internazionale was going through a difficult period, and that's when Sandro Mazzola emerged. Helenio Herrera had the courage to bring this young man into the first team. From that moment on, we started winning everything.

Can you tell us a story about Mazzola?

Rather than a story, I would emphasize that he belonged to a team made up of very outstanding people. He had his role, and he took it very seriously. He wasn't the kind of person who particularly liked to socialize with everyone, but rather focused on how to be a game-changer on the field.

And he did it very well. He was a role model in terms of determination, willpower, and courage. There was no match he wouldn't approach with a winning mentality.

Which of Mazzola's goals will you never forget?

The goal against Vasas in the European Cup on December 8, 1966, in Budapest. He dribbled past the entire opposing defense twice, including the goalkeeper, as if the ball were glued to his feet. Unforgettable.

From a personal perspective, how do you remember Mazzola?

He wasn't introverted, but he also wasn't the kind of person who particularly liked to socialize with everyone. He was very professional and straightforward in his dealings. He didn't put on airs. He belonged to a group of people whose success was the result of their own talent and sacrifice. For that group, many things seemed to happen naturally. They succeeded simply because they were truly excellent.

Mazzola's father, Valentino Mazzola, was a hero of the 'Grande Torino' team. How much did his tragic death affect Sandro?

By the time I knew Sandro, his father had already passed away. The person who was very close to Valentino and later became like a second father to Sandro was Benito Lorenzi. It was Lorenzi who brought him to Milan, nurtured him for Internazionale, and took him under his wing.

Lorenzi played a crucial role in every initial step of Mazzola's career with the Nerazzurri. Although his nickname was "Poison," Lorenzi was actually a very sensitive and generous person.

After retiring, Mazzola continued to work for Internazionale.

Yes, he served as a club executive. First during the Pellegrini era, and later during my presidency. Even as a sporting director responsible for transfers, he was excellent and meticulous in his work.

One of the most famous photos from Mazzola's time as an executive is from July 1997, when Ronaldo was unveiled at Internazionale, with Mazzola and Luis Suárez standing beside him. Mazzola's passing also happened to occur near the 50th birthday of "the Phenomenon" Ronaldo.

Fate, in this way, connected two great players who brought us immense joy.

What did Mazzola mean to Internazionale?

History.

Everything.

For Internazionale, he will never be forgotten.

If you were to rank the important figures of the 'Grande Inter' era, where would you place Mazzola?

I have never made such a ranking, and I never will. However, if I've already told you that he was everything...

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