INTER MILAN and AC Milan are looking to tear down their legendary San Siro stadium and rebuild it like Wembley.
The famous Giuseppe Meazza stadium opened almost 100 years ago and still has a capacity of about 75,817.
However, Inter president Beppe Marotta insists the historic ground must be demolished as the city of Milan is becoming “marginal in the football landscape”.
Marotta, 68, is adamant the San Siro should follow the example set up by Wembley Stadium as the Italian ground it is outdated and in constant need of maintenance.
Wembley closed in 2000 and was demolished three years later before it was rebuilt in 2007.
The Inter chief warned the San Siro will never be able to host a Champions League final and risks being excluded ahead of Euro 2032, which will be co-hosted by Italy and Turkey.
That is why the Milan rivals have reached an agreement to buy the San Siro area from the City of Milan in order to demolish 91 per cent of the ground to build a new co-owned stadium nearby.
Marotta told Radio Anch’Io lo Sport: “Milan is one of the most attractive cities in Europe, and Milan and Inter represent two of its excellences.
“Nevertheless, the city risks becoming marginal in the football landscape.
“It can no longer host a Champions League final, and it won’t be among the host cities for the 2032 Euros.
“San Siro must be respected, it has been the stage for incredible emotions and represents the history of both clubs. But we have to look forward.
“It is an outdated structure in constant need of maintenance. Wembley was torn down and rebuilt, and here, too, there is a strong need to do the same.
“We would like to build a stadium near San Siro. We are talking about private investments, financed by the two clubs.
“It would bring great benefit to the city in terms of infrastructure, jobs and tourism.
“Right now, we are not competitive in Europe. Milan and Inter have each earned about €80million (£70m) [from the stadium], while in Europe, some clubs make €300m (£262m).
“This gap has a negative effect in terms of competitiveness. In the last 10 years, 153 stadiums have been built, while in Italy, only three have been renovated, just 1 per cent. We urgently need a new stadium.
“The capacity reflects the European average. There is great respect for the fans who represent both the middle and working class, and the attendance must always be guaranteed through affordable ticket prices.
“At the same time, modern features must be enhanced, such as Skyboxes and commercial facilities.”
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