Ausilio remembers Mazzola: the former sporting director would have bought him even today

Piero Ausilio wanted to remember the figure of Sandro Mazzola with words full of emotion and gratitude. The former sporting director of Inter gave an interview to Radio Sportiva to pay tribute to the recently deceased Nerazzurri legend.

“He was the first who put me in a position to work, to go to a transfer market headquarters, to be close to him and learn. I have always felt a lot of affection for him and above all a great deal of gratitude. He was a legend; when you approach a person like that, there is also a sense of respect and reverence. I was only 26 years old when, back in July 1998, he asked me to go with him to the transfer market. Imagine the emotion…”, Ausilio recounted.

The former executive then added: “I was lucky enough to follow him, to listen to him, and perhaps it was in those very moments that I strongly thought I could become a sporting director. Today there is real sadness, losing people of this caliber, a reference point… Today, any kid who approaches football and has the chance to watch videotapes cannot help but have figures like Mazzola and Baresi as references.”

Ausilio also spoke about the 100 years of San Siro: “There have been many stories from Mazzola at San Siro, emotions that I did not witness live but relived through images. What intrigues me most is imagining him in modern football; for his qualities, he could have played even in today’s football. A contemporary champion. As a sporting director, I would have gladly signed Mazzola, but not just me.”