Former defender Cristian Chivu reveals he turned down Real Madrid to join Inter in 2007.
The Romanian spent over a decade in Serie A, first with Roma and then with the Nerazzurri, where he won the treble in 2010.
“After four years at Ajax I wanted to change League and move up a level,” Chivu recalled of his move to the Giallorossi, speaking to Gianluca Di Marzio’s website.
Former defender Cristian Chivu reveals he turned down Real Madrid to join Inter in 2007.
The Romanian spent over a decade in Serie A, first with Roma and then with the Nerazzurri, where he won the treble in 2010.
“After four years at Ajax I wanted to change League and move up a level,” Chivu recalled of his move to the Giallorossi, speaking to Gianluca Di Marzio’s website.
“They tried to keep me, but my dream was always to come to Italy. I had the opportunity to choose between two great teams [Inter and Roma], and [Fabio] Capello convinced me to come to Rome. You don’t say no to a Coach like that.
“In my first season we started well, then we had problems and slowly our hopes faded. Despite everything I had four fantastic years at Roma, and I still carry them in my heart.
“I always gave 100 per cent, as with all the teams I’ve played for.
“My departure? Barcelona and Real Madrid were after me. I didn’t like the way Roma dealt with Los Merengues, I had already chosen Inter, and the club knew it. I wanted to stay in Italy and win a Scudetto.
“Inter were the best team at the time, and the treble was very emotional for me.”
Chivu also had words of praise for Jose Mourinho, the man who masterminded that treble success.
“Mourinho is a person who studies the details and is close to the players. First he cares about the human side, and then the technical, and maybe that’s appreciated by his players.
“He’s a man who knows what he wants in life.”