Friday 31 July 2000 Milan Italy.
Zaboru had just arrived the previous night in Milan, and even now, without wasting much time, his focus was already set. He planned to meet Moratti directly, not just for a casual discussion, but to properly observe the current state of Inter Milan, a club that now stood under his influence.
As of this moment, Zaboru held ownership of 51% of football operations in Italy, and there were already several differences he had begun to notice compared to his previous world. Football in Italy here felt less rigid, less bound by tradition in certain aspects. One of the most noticeable changes was stadium ownership. In his previous world, stadiums were typically owned by the city, limiting clubs in many ways. However, in this world, most Italian clubs owned their own stadiums, giving them more control, more freedom, and ultimately more potential for growth. It was a subtle but important difference, one that Zaboru quickly understood could be leveraged.
It didn't take long before Zaboru arrived at the Inter offices. The building itself reflected the stature of the club, professional, yet carrying a sense of legacy. As he stepped inside, his presence naturally drew attention, but he remained composed as always.
Soon, he met Moratti.
"Mr. Moratti."
Moratti smiled warmly the moment he saw him. "Zaboru."
There was clear happiness in his expression, not just politeness, but genuine satisfaction, as if reassured by Zaboru's presence and the direction the club was heading.
Last year, in January 1999, Zaboru acquired a total of 51% of Inter Milan from Massimo Moratti, making a bold agreement that within 10 years, Inter would become a true powerhouse in Europe. It was not just a simple acquisition, but a clear declaration of intent, one that carried both ambition and pressure.
In just a single year as president, with full control over managerial decisions and the transfer market, Inter had already begun to change significantly. The structure of the team, the style of play, and even the mentality within the club were all shifting under Zaboru's direction.
Although last season they did not win the Serie A title, their performance was far from disappointing. They managed to secure the Coppa Italia, and in the league, they finished as runners-up against their strong rivals A.C. Milan, with only a narrow gap of 3 points separating them.
That small difference, however, only highlighted how quickly Inter had risen, transforming from a struggling side into a serious contender in just one year under Zaboru's leadership.
In just a year, Zaboru appointed a manager he knew would be the perfect fit for his vision. He chose the rising Ajax manager, Louis Van Gaal, bringing him to Inter even before Van Gaal had won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in this timeline. It was a bold move, one that showed how far ahead Zaboru was thinking.
At first, Van Gaal refused. He openly stated how difficult it was to succeed in Italy, especially with the rigid, defense-heavy style that dominated the league. He also made it clear that he disliked playing purely defensive football, as it conflicted with his philosophy.
However, Zaboru did not back down. He explained clearly that Inter would not follow the traditional Italian defensive system. Instead, the team would adopt an offensive style of play, one that aligned perfectly with Van Gaal's ideals. He spoke with certainty, laying out a vision of a team that would control the game through attacking movement, structured buildup, and intelligent positioning.
That promise changed everything.
After some consideration, Van Gaal agreed.
And from that moment, starting last season, Inter Milan began to transform completely. Their style of play became noticeably different from the rest of the Italian league. Instead of relying on deep defensive lines and cautious play, they pushed forward, focusing on offensive structure, ball control, and constant pressure. It was a clear shift, one that made them stand out immediately among their competitors.
Football itself in this world is lacking by around five years compared to Zaboru's previous world. In simple terms, even though the current year is 2000, the overall level, tactics, and player development are closer to what 1995 looked like in his previous life. This gap was something Zaboru clearly recognized, and more importantly, something he deliberately utilized to his advantage.
Because of this knowledge, his decisions in the transfer market were not just based on current performance, but on future potential that he already understood. Inter Milan, under his direction, made several key signings that would shape the foundation of the team.
First, they brought Dennis Bergkamp from Ajax along with Louis Van Gaal. Unlike in his previous life, where Bergkamp struggled to adapt and eventually became dissatisfied due to Inter's defensive style, Zaboru made sure that situation would not repeat itself. With an offensive system in place, Bergkamp could fully express his creativity and technical ability, becoming a central piece of the team rather than an isolated talent.
Aside from that, Inter also secured Ronaldo from PSV for a relatively high transfer fee. At the time, it was considered expensive, but from Zaboru's perspective, it was an obvious investment. Ronaldo's explosive pace, finishing ability, and overall presence on the field made him a cornerstone for the team's attacking power.
Then there was Luis Figo, whom Zaboru acquired from Sporting before he could make his move to Barcelona. This early acquisition ensured that Inter gained a world-class winger at a crucial stage of his development, adding both creativity and width to the squad.
Finally, Inter also signed Javier Zanetti from Banfield earlier than expected. In Zaboru's previous life, Zanetti would go on to become a legend of the club, and by bringing him in sooner, Zaboru ensured that Inter would benefit from his leadership, consistency, and versatility from an earlier point in time.
All of these decisions were not random. They were carefully aligned with Zaboru's understanding of the future, allowing Inter Milan to build a squad that was not only strong in the present, but also perfectly positioned to dominate in the years to come.
Also in this year, Inter already had Roberto Carlos as their full back, and Zaboru had no intention of repeating the mistake from his previous life where the player was sold too early. Instead, he chose to fully utilize Roberto Carlos, understanding the immense offensive potential he could bring from the defensive line. His speed, powerful shots, and ability to push forward made him a perfect fit for the more aggressive system that Van Gaal was implementing.
Alongside that, to strengthen the defensive core, Zaboru brought in Fabio Cannavaro from Parma. Unlike many defenders in the league, Cannavaro offered not just defensive solidity, but also intelligence in positioning and reading the game, making him an ideal piece in a system that required defenders to think quickly and adapt.
Beyond defensive reinforcements, Zaboru also invested in players that Van Gaal specifically wanted, ensuring that the manager's tactical vision could be executed without compromise. Overall, Inter had already become a very strong team last year, and under Van Gaal, they consistently played a 4-3-3 formation.
In this setup, Ronaldo, Fontolan, and Luis Figo formed the attacking trio, each bringing a different dimension to the offense. Ronaldo with his explosive finishing, Figo with creativity and control on the wing, and Fontolan providing balance and support. Behind them, Bergkamp operated as a key playmaker, though he could also shift into a wider role when needed, giving the team flexibility in attack.
In addition to that, this year Zaboru also acquired a young player from Brescia, Andrea Pirlo. Even at a young age, Zaboru recognized his potential and specifically told Van Gaal that this player would become something special. Pirlo's vision and passing ability added another layer to Inter's midfield.
Zaboru also brought in a Japanese player who had been performing exceptionally well, Hidetoshi Nakata. His technical skill, composure, and adaptability made him a valuable addition, especially in a system that emphasized intelligent movement and quick transitions.
Furthermore, Inter secured a young and tall forward, Luca Toni, whose physical presence added a different attacking option. Alongside him, they also brought in a promising young forward from Ukraine, Andriy Shevchenko, a player with sharp instincts and strong finishing ability.
All of these additions were carefully chosen, not just for immediate impact, but for how they would grow into the system, forming a squad that was both powerful in the present and terrifying in the future.
Still Zaboru know despite he might know who will be future stars he refrain to took them all because it will be do more harm than good and now he just took what the team needed
Overall, last year Inter became a real menace. Zaboru himself was often in direct contact with Van Gaal, frequently calling and discussing tactics, structure, and adjustments. At first, Van Gaal was genuinely surprised by how sharp Zaboru's understanding of football was. What he initially assumed would be interference from an owner quickly turned into something far more meaningful.
At the same time, Zaboru placed a strong emphasis on infrastructure, especially training facilities. Since becoming president of Inter, he had heavily upgraded the club's training environment, introducing more modern equipment, better recovery systems, and overall improved conditions for player development. These changes had a noticeable impact on the team, allowing players to train more efficiently and recover faster, which in turn improved their overall performance.
However, the relationship between Zaboru and Van Gaal was not smooth from the beginning. Initially, Van Gaal found it irritating that Zaboru would frequently involve himself in tactical discussions. As a manager with strong pride in his philosophy, he felt that his authority was being challenged, even if only slightly.
But that perception began to change.
Zaboru proved, time and time again, that he was not simply speaking without substance. His insights were accurate, his suggestions were practical, and more importantly, they worked when applied on the field. Slowly, Van Gaal started to recognize that this was not interference, but a rare kind of collaboration.
From that point onward, Van Gaal adjusted his mindset. His ego softened, and instead of resisting, he began to listen more carefully. He started to accept Zaboru's input, treating it not as an intrusion, but as an additional perspective that could enhance the team. Over time, their relationship evolved into something more balanced, where ideas could be exchanged openly, ultimately strengthening Inter as a whole.
Moratti then smiles not for long Van Gaal comes and 3 of them talk.
"So, how's the guy I asked you to bring? Is he good?" Zaboru asked calmly, his tone casual but his eyes observant.
Van Gaal let out a short sigh, running his hand briefly through his hair before answering. "Honestly, boss… I don't know how you knew about him, but this guy is an absolute beast."
He paused for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully.
"Placing him in central midfield was the right decision. His control, his vision, the way he handles the ball under pressure… it's on a completely different level. With him and Bergkamp in our midfield, everything becomes more fluid, more dangerous. Our midfield doesn't just support the attack anymore, it dictates the entire game."
Van Gaal's expression carried a hint of satisfaction, something rare for someone as strict as him.
"They complement each other perfectly. Bergkamp brings creativity and positioning, while this guy… he brings elegance and dominance. Together, they make our midfield extremely strong, probably one of the best combinations I've worked with."
The name Zaboru was referring to was none other than Zinedine Zidane. Zaboru had acquired him from Bordeaux, recognizing his potential long before the rest of the world fully realized it. Now, Zidane had become a central figure in Inter's midfield, quietly transforming the way the team played with every touch of the ball.
Moratti, meanwhile, smiled, clearly pleased but still carrying a hint of concern. "I really enjoy watching Inter now. It's not that boring, full-defense style anymore, it feels alive, dynamic. But still… I want to buy some more strikers. What if Ronaldo gets injured? And our team is mostly young players, shouldn't we have more established stars?"
Zaboru smiled calmly, already expecting this line of thinking. He understood Moratti's concern, it was natural for someone who had seen football through a more traditional lens.
In his mind, however, Ronaldo was on another level entirely. The Brazilian, at this point, was nothing short of a phenomenon. Just last season alone, he played a total of 41 games for Inter and scored 34 goals. In Serie A, a league known for its defensive strength, that was an extraordinary record he also Serie A Top Scorer with 28 goals.
But it didn't stop there.
Ronaldo also contributed 13 assists, proving that he wasn't just a finisher, but a complete attacking force who could create opportunities for others as well. His presence alone changed how opponents approached the game, often forcing them to adjust their entire defensive structure just to contain him.
Because of that, Inter had become one of the highest-scoring teams among Europe's top leagues, something that would have been difficult to imagine just a year prior.
Zaboru remained relaxed, fully aware that players like Ronaldo were not something you could simply replace with numbers or additional signings. He wasn't just a striker, he was the core of the attack, a player capable of shifting the outcome of a match on his own.
Zaboru smiled calmly. "Don't worry, Mr. Moratti. We have enough strikers. Besides, we already have those youngsters, Shevchenko and Luca Toni. Believe in them. We are also planning for the future, Mr. Moratti."
Moratti sighed, still unconvinced. "Those two are good, but they are still young. Experience matters in crucial moments."
Van Gaal smiled slightly, stepping in with a more confident tone. "Don't worry, Mr. Moratti. These two players are really good. And honestly, young players adapt faster. They are easier to shape, easier to integrate into the system compared to established superstars who already have fixed habits."
He crossed his arms, clearly standing by his judgment.
"They listen, they improve quickly, and most importantly, they are hungry. That hunger is something you cannot easily find in players who have already achieved everything."
Zaboru smiled and nodded, a faint grin appearing on his face as he listened. He didn't add anything further, but internally, he was already certain of the direction.
At the same time, he could subtly feel it.
His Aura of Influence was affecting Inter Milan.
It wasn't something visible, but the results were undeniable. The players were more spirited, their focus sharper, and their ability to learn and adapt had noticeably increased. Training sessions became more efficient, and even small tactical adjustments were absorbed faster than usual.
Zaboru observed this quietly, not drawing attention to it.
"This is good…" he thought to himself.
More than anything, he hoped that this influence could help stabilize Ronaldo's condition. With such overwhelming talent, the only thing that could truly stop Ronaldo was his own body. If this environment could help reduce that risk, even slightly, then it was already worth it.
Zaboru's gaze lingered for a moment, calm yet intent.
He wanted to see it.
A version of Ronaldo without injuries.
A version that could fully unleash his potential in this world.
Then Moratti smiled, his tone turning slightly more serious as he looked at both of them. "So this year, the goal is the Scudetto, right? Do you think we can beat Milan?"
Zaboru smiled calmly, his confidence steady and unwavering. "Mr. Moratti, of course we can. I believe in Van Gaal, and more importantly, I believe in this team. So just relax, okay?"
His voice carried a quiet certainty, not loud or forceful, but firm enough to be reassuring.
Van Gaal gave a small smile as well, nodding once. "I will do my best. This team has the quality, now it's about consistency and execution."
He paused briefly before adding, his tone slightly sharper.
"We are not just aiming to compete. We are aiming to dominate."
Moratti looked at both of them, his earlier concern easing slightly. The confidence between the two was clear, and it began to influence him as well.
The three of them continued to talk, discussing strategies, expectations, and possibilities for the upcoming season, the atmosphere gradually shifting into one filled with anticipation and quiet determination.
Not long after, Zaboru went to watch his players during training. At first, he simply stood at the side of the pitch, observing quietly, his eyes tracking every movement, every pass, every small detail in positioning and coordination. But the longer he watched, the more he felt it building inside him.
He couldn't hold it back.
With a sudden motion, he removed his suit jacket, loosened himself, and quickly put on a jersey. Without hesitation, he stepped onto the field and joined the training session himself.
The players were caught off guard.
Especially the newer players, they hesitated, unsure how seriously they should take this. Playing against the club president was not something they were used to, and for a moment, their movements became awkward and restrained.
Meanwhile, the older players who already knew Zaboru simply chuckled. They had seen this before. They knew exactly how skilled he was, and more importantly, they knew he wasn't stepping in just for show.
Soon enough, the hesitation faded.
The training resumed properly, but now with Zaboru fully participating among them.
This moment, simple as it seemed, quietly marked something important.
The Inter Milan of the 2000-2001 is The beginning of what would later be known as a legendary club in this world.
And they had fun.
Zaboru played naturally among them, his skill blending seamlessly with the squad. His control, awareness, and decision-making were on par with top players, and this only deepened the respect the squad had for him.
After the session ended, Zaboru didn't separate himself. Instead, he stayed, talking casually with the players, listening, laughing, and engaging with them without any sense of distance.
Then, as if it was the most natural thing to do, he decided to treat everyone to dinner.
It wasn't just a gesture, it was part of how he built connection.
By the end of it, Zaboru was no longer just their president.
He was someone the entire Inter squad genuinely liked and respected.
To be continue
Author Note: Inter Milan is intended to become the greatest club in this world within this story. This direction reflects a clear preference, as I am an Inter fan.
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