Following the death of Inter Milan legend Sandro Mazzola, former Inter president Massimo Moratti spoke with La Gazzetta dello Sport, reflecting on Mazzola's playing career, his personality, and his time 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 that time, I thought he was doing well, although I knew he was sometimes going through difficult periods. It's a shame we couldn't meet again to say a proper goodbye recently. Now, I feel an endless sense of longing, and this longing will always remain because he brought so many beautiful moments and joy to us.

Young people today may not know much about this player, but for us, he will always be present because he left so many beautiful memories with us.

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

His dribbling, and his extremely quick shot. Often, his shots were also very powerful, but what truly set him apart was the way he executed them. Because his leg swing was so quick, defenders were always too late to intervene.

He could play in almost every position between midfield and attack.

During my father's era at Inter Milan, I remember he played more as a shadow striker, or almost as an inside forward. Then, over time, he gradually moved back to midfield, and he was equally extraordinary in that position. He was a treasure for football.

The last interview Mazzola gave before his death was to La Gazzetta dello Sport. At that time, he apologized to Boninsegna for not opposing the famous swap deal involving Boninsegna and Juventus player Pietro Anastasi. Boninsegna, while thanking Mazzola, told us that he had advised Mazzola not to drop back to play as a deep-lying playmaker, because on the front line, Mazzola was desperately needed beside him.

Their conversation deeply touched me. However, I agree with Boninsegna that Mazzola was at his best in the final third of the pitch.

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

I remember Inter Milan was going through difficult times, and Sandro Mazzola emerged at that moment. Herrera had the courage to bring this young man into the first team. From that point on, we began to win everything...

Can you tell us a story about Mazzola?

Rather than one story, I prefer to emphasize that he belonged to a group of truly exceptional individuals. He had his role, and he fulfilled it very seriously. He wasn't someone who enjoyed socializing with everyone; rather, he focused on being a decisive player on the pitch.

And he did it very well... In terms of determination, willpower, and courage, he was an example. There was no match he would face without a winning mentality.

Which Mazzola goal will you never forget?

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

How do you remember Mazzola as a person?

He wasn't closed off, but he wasn't someone who enjoyed socializing with everyone either. He was very professional and acted with simplicity. He wasn't arrogant. He belonged to that group of people whose success is the result of their talent and sacrifice. For such people, many things seem to happen naturally. They succeed because they are truly exceptional.

How much did the tragic death of Mazzola's father, Valentino Mazzola, a hero of the "Grande Torino" team, influence Sandro?

When I came to know Sandro, his father had already passed away. The person who was very close to Valentino and then cared for Sandro like a second father was Benito Lorenzi. It was Lorenzi who brought him to Milan, developed him for Inter Milan, and protected him under his wing.

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

After retiring, Mazzola continued to work for Inter Milan.

Yes, he served as a club executive. First during the Pellegrini era, and then during my presidency. Even as Director of Sports, responsible for transfers, he was very thorough and meticulous in his work.

One of the most famous photos from Mazzola's time as an executive is from Ronaldo's presentation at Inter Milan in July 1997, where he stands alongside Luis Suárez next to Ronaldo. Mazzola's death also coincided with Ronaldo "Il Fenomeno" turning 50.

Fate, in this way, connected two top players who brought extraordinary joy to us.

What did Mazzola mean to Inter Milan?

History.

Everything.

For Inter Milan, he will never be forgotten.

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

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

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