Denzel Dumfries reveals how his compatriot Stefan de Vrij played a key role in his move to Inter and insists he doesn’t feel pressure to replace Achraf Hakimi.
The Netherlands international has joined the Nerazzurri for €12.5m plus €2.5m in add-ons from PSV Eindhoven. He replaces Achraf Hakimi, who moved to PSG in a €71m deal.
“Hakimi had an incredible season last year, they also won the Scudetto, but I don’t feel any pressure. I have to play my games and do the best for Inter,” the 25-year-old told DAZN.
On Saturday, Dumfries made his Inter debut coming off the bench in the Nerazzurri’s Serie A opener against Genoa.
“It was great for me. My family was at the stadium too, they were happy and proud of the moment. For me, it was extraordinary to enter the field for the first time as an Inter player,” the defender said.
Dumfries knows Inter very well already, not only because Maicon was his role model growing up, but also because his compatriot Stefan de Vrij has spoken to him about Inter many times while on international duty.
“My point of reference was Maicon, he was a really great player,” the Dutch defender revealed.
“De Vrij played a key role in my move at Inter. He knew Inzaghi well and we spoke about Inter two years ago.
“He’s always told me that this is a nice club and he hoped one day I could join it. Now, we are happy to be here together. Stefan is not just a good defender, he is also a great agent,” Dumfries said, smiling.
Vice president Javier Zanetti welcomed him to Inter with a text message and the defender hopes to follow in the former Argentina international’s footsteps at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
“Zanetti wrote me a message when I arrived, it was really a warm welcome. I will ask him how to get to play so many games here at Inter as he did”.
Dumfries signed a contract until 2025 at Inter. He has two goals in 23 appearances with the Netherlands national team, both scored during this summer’s UEFA Euro 2020.