Owner Moratti prepared to sell Inter Milan

MILAN, Apr 13 (Reuters) Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti says he is prepared to sell the Serie A club if the right buyer comes forward.

Moratti, who took control in 1995, has been frustrated by Inter's lack of success in recent years and the failure to win the Italian league title, last claimed by the club 17 years ago.

''If there is someone who can do better than I have and has the desire to commit themselves why should I be opposed?'', said Moratti in an interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport daily published today.

''I am trying to be pragmatic. As I didn't take over Inter with the intention of being in charge eternally it is right that I should contemplate the possibility of selling the club.'' Moratti stood down as club president in January 2004, handing over to Giacinto Facchetti.

''I bought Inter for reasons of passion and I have handled all these years with the desire to sell the club after winning a lot of trophies,'' said Moratti.

''Unfortunately the team has faded in the face of the big challenges. I need to take that into account and have the duty to do so.'' During his 11 years in charge, Inter have picked up only two trophies, the 1998 UEFA Cup and the 2005 Italian Cup.

Inter are third in Serie A and have reached the final of the Italian Cup.

REUTERS PM PM1514