Chivu on Inter ambition and De Vrij injury: ‘Hope he can make World Cup’

Cristian Chivu reveals his plans for the summer after the Inter Double success, but has a worrying injury update for Stefan de Vrij. ‘I hope it’s not serious, he deserves to be at the World Cup.’

The Nerazzurri had taken the lead in Bologna through a wonderful Federico Dimarco free kick, confirming his Serie A MVP status for the season, but then were trailing 3-1 including a Piotr Zielinski own goal.

A late fightback from Francesco Pio Esposito and Andy Diouf allowed Chivu’s men to end the season with a 3-3 draw at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

It means that in each of the last three seasons when Inter won the Scudetto, they did it by scoring 89 goals.

“We must always honour the shirt, and the lads again today gave their best, putting themselves at the disposal of the team,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.

“The substitutes also showed their quality, so I am pleased for Cocchi, Topalovic and Diouf, along with Pio scoring his 10th goal of the season. These are all good players who deserve to play for Inter, we’re giving them the chance to taste Serie A football and help them grow. This is not an easy league to play in.”

There was some concern in the final minutes, when Netherlands international De Vrij pulled up clutching the top of his thigh and limped off.

“We hope it is nothing too serious and that he can recover in time for the World Cup, because he deserves to play in that tournament,” added Chivu.

When asked who he will be cheering on during the World Cup, the Romanian had an unusual response.

“For my family, because they deserve a month of my time. It’s been a whirlwind between Parma and Inter for the last year and three months, without having time to be with my family, so they have the priority this summer.

“I will force myself to stop working, having used up so much energy to achieve our objectives. I’ll try, if possible, not to be always on the phone either.”

Inter won the Double this season, Serie A title plus Coppa Italia, and are already laying down their transfer strategy for next term.

“This is a team with a lot of guarantees, so rather than lose those, what we want to do is add a little more on top,” said Chivu.

“Josep Martinez and Diouf can be part of this squad, to develop quality and ambition. Last season we went into the Club World Cup to honour our obligations, but nine months later we have two trophies and need a nice vacation.”