Cristian Chivu has reflected on the coming season with Inter and on the motivation he and his teammates carry going into it.
Last season was a disappointment for both club and Chivu and the player was expected to depart the scene once his contract ran to its conclusion in June.
However, after signing renewal, the Romanian is looking forward to the new season with vigour, as he reflected during the team’s pre-season preparations.
Cristian Chivu has reflected on the coming season with Inter and on the motivation he and his teammates carry going into it.
Last season was a disappointment for both club and Chivu and the player was expected to depart the scene once his contract ran to its conclusion in June.
However, after signing renewal, the Romanian is looking forward to the new season with vigour, as he reflected during the team’s pre-season preparations.
“I am delighted to be here again, it was my first choice from the beginning. Talks on the deal went on for a bit for various reasons, I was on vacation, so we were on the phone,” explained Chivu to Inter Channel about the time it took to agree the new contract.
“Finally, after three weeks we closed everything. I am committed to the new project and I am proud and happy that the company still has confidence in me to continue with this project and I am proud of this.”
Perhaps what convinced the defender to stay was the promise from the new Coach that he could be used more in his preferred position of centre-back.
“Role and position? For whatever tactics, I give my availability, I was told that I will mostly be used as a centre-back, but then we will see what will be needed during the season.
“First there is the desire not to repeat what was done last year. Sometimes a bad year is needed to understand how important it is when things are going well.
“It is important that even the young players understand that, taking as an example what we have done in the past.
“Then we, with our experience, will try to give them the idea of this enthusiasm, strength, sacrifice. It takes little to change a season.
“When one is accustomed to winning then that is what one wants to continue to do and we are an example of this, since 2005. The thirst is there because if it had not been, so many victories would not have arrived.”
The club have just begun their pre-season preparations with a training retreat in Pinzolo. The season proper begins in just under a month from now, with the Europa League preliminary qualifiers.
“The preparation phase is crucial to allow us to do the job well. We need to charge the batteries for the season and the foundations are laid here.
“We will try to give everything in the Europa League, we want to go all the way. Our example is Atletico, who were in the preliminary and then came on to win the Europa League.
“Personal Goals? This is not the right phrase because we are a group and we must all work hard to bring success to the team.
“Certainly to be in good health physically and mentally and in the sense that victories help you feel good because it is easier to work. You have to work harder when you lose.
“I think our fortune will be in having a healthy youth team, in which some of these guys – having the chance to train with the first team – can only progress in.”