Calhanoglu: Inter and Chivu ‘gave me time’ to prepare for Turkiye games | OneFootball

Inter star Hakan Calhanoglu is thankful to the Nerazzurri and coach Cristian Chivu for giving him ‘time’ to prepare for Turkiye’s World Cup play-off.

Calhanoglu and Vincenzo Montella’s Turkiye beat Romania 1-0 on Thursday to qualify for the World Cup play-off Final against Kosovo.

Calhanoglu was subbed off in the dying minutes due to a suspected calf injury, but according to recent reports in Italy, the Turkish star only had a cramp and should be available for Tuesday’s Final.

Calhanoglu didn’t even mention his latest injury problem in a post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia.

The Inter star, however, revealed that Chivu contacted him right after the match to receive a fitness update.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Cristian Chivu head coach of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 08, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“He was looking at my physical condition because I had come back from an injury after one and a half months,” Calhanoglu said.

“He already texted me now, asking how I am. For me, Mr Chivu is special. I’m always thankful to him at Inter because they gave me time and preparation to be fit for this game, so I’m always thankful to my coach, Chivu.”

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Calhanoglu has been on and off the pitch for Inter in 2026 due to physical issues.

Since January, he has made five Serie A appearances and missed six league games due to injuries.

After the break, Inter will host Roma at the Stadio Meazza on April 5.