Giuseppe Marotta is now the general director at Internazionale, but he has a rich history at Juventus. In an interview, the executive reflected on the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo. 'That was not the reason for the breakup.'
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Giuseppe Marotta's tenure in Turin from 2010 to 2018 was marked by a series of astute signings that helped solidify Juventus as a dominant force in Italian football.
Marotta, known for his shrewd transfer dealings, brought in talents like Paul Pogba, Carlos Tévez, and Andrea Barzagli for Juventus at relatively modest prices, demonstrating his knack for identifying and acquiring valuable players without breaking the bank. These signings played a crucial role in the club's success during that period, as Juventus enjoyed a resurgence in both domestic and European competitions.
However, the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid in 2018 marked a significant shift in Juventus' transfer strategy. Ronaldo, one of the most celebrated footballers in the world, came with a hefty price tag of over a hundred million euros and commanded an annual salary of 31 million euros at Juve. This move was largely orchestrated by Fabio Paratici, the sporting director at the time, and represented a departure from the more cost-effective approach Marotta had championed.
Marotta's stance on Ronaldo's signing was one of reluctance. He acknowledged his successful years at Juventus but hinted at a misalignment with the club's owners over the strategic direction, particularly regarding high-profile and high-cost signings like Ronaldo's. Marotta's comments suggest that he preferred a more sustainable, long-term approach to building the team, as opposed to the significant financial investment required to bring in a star like Ronaldo.
In October 2018, a few months following Ronaldo's high-profile arrival, Marotta resigned from his position at Juventus. He clarified that his disagreement over Ronaldo's signing was a factor, but not the sole reason for his departure. According to Marotta, it was a culmination of different factors, indicating an end of an era and a need for change in the club's approach.
Marotta's move to Internazionale marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. At Inter, he has successfully replicated his effective management and strategic vision. Under his guidance, Internazionale has made significant strides, becoming a formidable force in Serie A. His leadership has been instrumental in the club's recent success, which includes leading the Serie A standings and securing a notable victory over Juventus, further underscoring his expertise in club management.
Marotta's journey from Juventus to Internazionale highlights the dynamic nature of football management and the different philosophies clubs can adopt in their quest for success. His impact on both clubs demonstrates his ability to adapt to different environments and challenges, reaffirming his status as one of the most respected executives in the football world.
