'He made me love football again' - Moratti wants Inter to pursue Gabriel Jesus

The former Nerazzurri chief has admitted his love for the Manchester City forward, hoping that his old club will make a move for him

Former Inter president Massimo Moratti has revealed Gabriel Jesus has made him "fall in love with football again", and has urged the Serie A giants to sign the Brazilian.

Jesus has impressed since joining Manchester City from Palmeiras, scoring three times in five games before falling victim to injury.

Moratti has been enthralled with what he has seen from the 19-year-old so far, and thinks Jesus could become a superstar like Lionel Messi.

The billionaire presided over Inter from 1995 to 2013, but still has a strong interest in the club, and wants them to pursue the Brazil international.

"He made me fall in love with football again," Moratti told Sky Sport Italia.

"Every now and again you need this new kind of player to reignite your passion and Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City is, for me, a player you have got to pursue.

"Messi is outstanding, but it's difficult to get him. But it's beautiful when you see a player who you believe has potential by the bucket load - and who knows what great things he will do. For me, Jesus is one of these."

The 71-year-old has also been impressed with Stefano Pioli's management of the club, since replacing Frank de Boer.

Under Pioli, Inter have reversed their poor form, and now are up to fourth in Serie A. They sit 15 points behind leaders Juventus, but have won four of their last five games, and Moratti is hopeful for the future.

"Some of our hopes have been reignited because a lot of things are really happening again," Moratti said.

"Inter are making you want to go and watch them again, but in addition to this desire to see them, they are also giving the idea of a positive future. 

"At the moment, the gap between the Nerazzurri and their rivals ahead of them is not as big as it was in years gone by. They just need a few minor adjustments here and there and they will already be on that level."