Inter need Champions League money, admits Bolingbroke

Inter CEO Michael Bolingbroke has admitted that qualifying for the Champions League on a consistent basis is vital for their ambition to become a force to be reckoned with again in Europe.

The Serie A side currently find themselves in a precarious financial situation and could face significant punishments for failing to meet Uefa’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions.

Bolingbroke is optimistic about Inter's future, though, and feels increasing revenue by playing Champions League football year after year is the way forward.

"I would like to qualify for the Champions League. Ultimately, part of our plan is to become one of the top 10 clubs in the world in revenue within five years," 

"A critical part of that is consistent participation in the Champions League. If it doesn't start next year, it will probably start the year after that.

"But I hope it starts next year. We still sit comfortable in the league. If we don't make the Champions League this year, it doesn’t mean our plans are not going to work, though."

The Inter supremo also had his say on Inter's plans to potentially renovate or leave San Siro following city rivals AC Milan's announcement that they aim to build a new stadium

"What Milan have announced is that they 'would like' to move. Apparently they've got the plan, they've got the place and also the design. But it all must be approved with the council. There are a number of regulatory hurdles. So it might not be happening. 

"But if it does happen, we've said that our first choice will be to stay at San Siro. We would renovate San Siro. That would be a major project, but leaving San Siro is also an option for us. Although our first choice is staying at San Siro.

"We need a home. It would be great for the club to have our own stadium. It would be great for the fans if they have their own stadium. San Siro is always our first choice, but if it's not, there is always a Plan B."

Bolingbroke then went on to offer Roberto Mancini his backing and vowed the Nerazzurri coach will be given the chance to sign some new players ahead of the 2015-15 campaign.

"Mancini has not had a summer transfer window to build his team yet. This summer he will be able to build the team he wants, so they can play the formation that he wants. And I think then he will have his own team around him.

"I look forward to next season. I think next season will be a great season for us."