Ernesto Pellegrini, Inter's remembrance

President Ernesto Pellegrini has left us. For eleven years he led Inter with wisdom, honor and determination, leaving an indelible imprint in the history of our Club.

FC Internazionale Milano and all the Nerazzurri people huddle around his family members.

Sometimes love at first sight is inevitable, it is meant to trigger the spark of a lasting, eternal, total love. For Ernesto Pellegrini it was a crowded Inter vs. Juventus: 4 April 1954. He was 14 years old and the number of spectators at San Siro almost prevented him from seeing what was happening on the pitch. A pity, because on the pitch the Nerazzurri won 6-0, with a brace from the wonderful player that was Nacka Skoglund.

Ernesto Pellegrini, born in Milan in 1940, followed the moves of the Swedish champion with his eyes full of joy, even in the streets of Milan: he watched him in Piazza dei Mercanti, where Skoglund went to have his shoes shined. Enraptured by so much splendid class, the young Ernesto developed an infinite passion and admiration: "I was in love with the Nerazzurri colours, proud. And I dreamed: one day...".

The son of farmers, enterprising workers: he set up his own business in 1965, starting an entrepreneurial adventure that now employs thousands of people. A story of success and determination, of dedication. The lure of Inter was strong, very strong. In 1984, when he had the opportunity, Pellegrini fulfilled a dream he had cradled since he was a child, from the time of Skoglund: to become the president of Inter.

He took over the club from Fraizzoli, with a handshake, becoming the seventeenth president in Inter history. Eleven years, until 1995, before passing the baton to Massimo Moratti. Eleven years which included the record breaking 1989 Scudetto, the Italian Super Cup, two Uefa Cups.

Inter of the Germans: first Rummenigge, then Matthäus, Brehme, Klinsmann. Trapattoni’s Inter - with Zenga, Bergomi, Ferri Berti, to cut short the line-up we can still recite from memory, with Serenza-Diaz ending the eleven and the rhyme - always ended up with goals, on top of playing the game well.

Not just football: a man capable of looking beyond his own interests, of spending his own time on those who suffer. The desire to give back, to give to others: the Pellegrini Foundation, Ruben's restaurant, concrete actions to feed people in need. To give dignity.

In 2020, Inter inducted him into the club's Hall of Fame, presenting him with the Special Award. A recognition of the passion, dedication, and goodness of a person who has made history, not only of Inter.