Chivu: "Tough match, we need to be mentally and physically prepared"

On the eve of Ajax vs. Inter, the Club's opening game of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase, Cristian Chivu spoke to the media in the press room at the Johan Cruijff Arena.

What does it mean for you to return to Amsterdam?

"I'm grateful for what I experienced here in Amsterdam; those years helped me grow as a person and as a player, before I took the major step to move to Italy."

Does the team need to take a step forward mentally?

"I think the team is strong, and I think that they showed it against Juventus. It's easy to point fingers if you only look at the result. We know what a defeat means, but we also have to look at the positives, like the team's desire to play. I think we're just a few steps away from consistently producing the good things we're doing. We're also just a few steps away from boosting the morale of the team, which is doing everything it can to get out of this situation. It's all about results, not performances."

How is Lautaro? Will Sommer play?

"Lautaro didn’t train today because of a minor issue, so we’ll check again tomorrow and decide then. I haven't ever spoken about changing the goalkeeper; Sommer proved last year how good he is. I’m not going to make changes just because people outside are asking for it. I have great respect for Martinez, and he’ll get his chance, and the same for Di Gennaro. But Sommer deserves our backing. With his quality and experience, he remains our number one.”

Have you spoken to Koeman?

"I haven't spoken to him in a while, but I know Ajax's quality, their project, and what they're trying to achieve. Ajax is not an easy target, and they’ve proved that at an international level. Tomorrow will be a tough match; we need to be mentally and physically prepared. Ajax is a strong team, combining experience and youth. The team is well-trained, so we need to be ready, particularly because it's our first match."

“Do you still feel you’ve kept a bit of the Ajax identity with you?”

"I'm grateful for everything I experienced here. I arrived as a boy and became a man. The choice to go to Italy was made for my career, but I cherish what I left here, as a player and as a person. This country has given me so much, and I will always be grateful."