By Andrew Warshaw
August 28 – Inter Milan have renewed their sponsorship agreement with Nike by signing a 10-year deal worth a reported €200 million in what has become one of football’s longest established partnerships.
The previous deal still had three years to run and comes as Indonesian billionaire Erick Thohir finalises his takeover of the club.
“Inter and Nike have renewed their sponsorship agreement for a further 10 years, a deal that will take the companies’ partnership past the 25-year barrier and set a new benchmark for sports marketing in Italy,” a statement said.
“The new sponsorship deal further strengthens Inter’s position as one of the world’s top clubs and confirms its desire to continue expanding globally.
“Thanks to this agreement, Inter can now look forward to a bright future on the world stage with the backing of a strong brand that ensures continuity for the project.”
The club will net around €20 million per season but there are bonus clauses which could see that figure rise depending on sporting results.
One of the first benefits of the deal could be to scupper Chelsea’s move for striker Samuel Eto’o whose agent is reported to have already met officials of the London club.
Eto’o is in Nike’s stable and the sportswear giants’ are apparently willing to help fund the prolific Cameroon striker’s return to Inter, according to reports in Italy.
Eto’o hit 36 goals in 73 games for Russian club Anzhi, whom he joined from Inter for £25 million in 2011, and is reputed to be the highest paid player in world football.
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