Cristian Chivu Professes Love For Inter Milan Ahead Of Pivotal Arsenal Clash: “Enters You & Becomes Part Of You” | OneFootball

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu addressed the press ahead of tomorrow night’s high-stakes clash against Arsenal.

During his press conference via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old revealed his affection for the Nerazzurri colors.

Despite lacking experience in senior management, the former Parma boss has hit the ground running this season.

Indeed, the 20-time Italian champions are leading the way in Serie A, boasting a three-point lead over second-placed AC Milan.

Furthermore, they’re one step away from securing a coveted top-eight finish in the Champions League for the second season in a row.

However, the Nerazzurri must beat Arsenal to stave off playoff fears and cement their position in the top eight.

Therefore, Tuesday’s showdown in Lombardy has all the makings of a ‘make or break’ clash for Inter.

Cristian Chivu Reiterates Inter Milan Affection Ahead of Arsenal Game

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Asked what the San Siro giants represent for him, Chivu replied: “A great deal, because I’ve spent many years at this club.

“I began my coaching career in the youth sector, where I stayed for six years.

“From 2007 onwards, I’ve spent eighteen years at Inter, with a few breaks, immediately after finishing my playing career.

“This club has stayed in my heart because of the great things we achieved and the trophies we won in the past, but also as a way of life.

“When you live and work in a city like this and at a club like this, it enters you, it becomes a part of you, and it’s very difficult to let it go.

“Now I have this new, great responsibility as head coach of the first team, and I’m happy.

“I’m happy to still be part of this club after 18 years. It fills me with pride, because nothing is ever taken for granted.”

Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu Compares Playing Career & Managerial Role

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter (right), celebrates with Andy Diouf of Inter after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“As a player, you still carry enormous responsibility,” he added. “In 2007 we were the team to beat.

“We had won several consecutive Scudetti and wanted to continue along that path. We were always trying to win or, at the very least, remain competitive in Europe as well.

“I arrived in the 2007/08 season and immediately won the league. In that sense, we ensured continuity.

“What we were missing, however, was something special in Europe, which we finally managed to achieve in 2010 by winning the Champions League.

“It was wonderful, because 43 years had passed since Inter’s last victory in Europe’s top competition. It was also special because we won the Treble.

“You win when you are competitive for years and when you understand how to build a team capable of achieving its objectives.

“This applies both in Europe and in the league, and it’s more or less what today’s Inter are experiencing.

“It’s the same responsibility in this cycle which, I would say, began during the pandemic or shortly before it.

“In the last five years, we’ve reached a Europa League final and two Champions League finals, unfortunately with outcomes everyone knows.

“But Inter are back permanently on the European stage. We are competitive again, capable of maintaining a high level both domestically and in Europe.”

Inter Milan Coach Cristian Chivu Speaks About His Role Models Ahead of Arsenal Clash

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu gesturesduring the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I learned something from everyone,” Chivu stated. “Each coach has their own way of doing things, their own vision of football, their own personality.

“I worked with coaches who had a huge impact on me, even on a personal level.

“With some, I won more trophies, with others I won nothing, but I learned a great deal because of what they represented and their qualities both on and off the pitch.

“It’s always essential to take something with you. And what struck me the most, in the end, was always the human aspect.

“Sometimes we judge the quality of a team, a coach or a player solely on what they’ve won.

“That can be a fair criterion.

“However, in football, the human chemistry that develops inside the dressing room is often even more important than what is seen from the outside or than expectations.”

Cristian Chivu on Building on Simone Inzaghi Legacy at Inter Milan

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 11: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, gestures during the Serie A match between Torino and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“I’ve always appreciated what Inter have built over the years and what they’ve managed to achieve,” Chivu continued.

“I never wanted to revolutionise everything; I just wanted to add something new, and I continue to do so, but the team already had an identity.

“Perhaps we’re still missing something to reach certain objectives, and we’re trying to fill those gaps while preserving our identity.

“At the same time, we want to integrate young players and new signings, who must quickly reach the level of their teammates, understand our identity, our solutions and the path to follow.

“The aim is to dominate: we want to be direct and aggressive. We want to control the match, with or without the ball.

“We want to do in games what we work on every day in training. It’s not always possible, but we put in commitment, desire, and belief.

“It takes a lot of self-confidence to be dominant, even knowing that in certain situations, against very strong opponents, that confidence can waver.

“But we never lose our convictions.

“Mistakes can be made, but you must learn from them and remain determined and confident that you’re on the right path.”