Etihad Airways has denied reports and speculation that the airline is to become a sponsor of Inter Milan football club.
Reports in Gazzetta dello Sport said Manchester City sponsors Etihad, who own 49 percent of the Alitalia airline, will replace Italian tyre giants Pirelli as the Nerazzurri's new sponsor in a deal worth 125million euros over five years.
The report added that former club president and owner Massimo Moratti was "closer to saying goodbye" to the club.
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Moratti held meetings with Inter president and majority shareholder, Indonesian Erick Thohir, earlier this week, fuelling speculation that he is ready to sell his remaining 30 percent share in the club.
However, Etihad told Sport360 that there is ‘no truth’ to the reports.
An Etihad Airways spokesperson said: “Etihad Airways denies the reports and speculation that the airline is to become a sponsor of Inter Milan football club in Italy. The airline is not in talks with the club and there is no truth to these rumours.”
Inter currently earn 12million euros a season with tyre giants Pirelli, who have been linked to the club for close to 20 years, but the current deal expires at the end of the season.
Juventus (Jeep) and AC Milan (Emirates) earn 17million euros a year from their respective shirt sponsorship deals.
