“Cristian is an innate leader. He will do well as a coach”

“In one of Ajax's many exceptional teams since the beginning of the century, two talented young people shared the same dream. The Romanian defender gave great confidence, while the extreme Dutch was his opposite, the peak of unpredictability and madness.

Gazzetta: “Ajax – inter eo passionate story for Chivu”

After playing for 3 years with Cristian Chivu, Andy Van der Meyde had the former teammate at Inter: two seasons with Nerazzurri, between 2003 and 2005, as intense.

Andy van der Meyde, at a time of tenderness with James Milner, almost 18 years ago / Photo: Imago

No matter what will happen, he will go to Amsterdam to greet his old friend, not least because this debut in the Champions League wakes memories to Andy (45): AJAX-INTER it is a passionate story for him ”started the pink daily discussion with Van der Meyde.

“For me, Cristian will always be the captain. He was a year younger than me and he already wore the banner at 21. Ajax is a different club from all the others, he never looks at the identity card, but if you are so early, you certainly have something special.

The final against Milan in the Champions League 2002-2003 was special. I played very well, but Chivu slipped into the decisive phase. It was a shame, because we were very good. Finally, I left the Netherlands for Italy in the same year. He transferred to Rome, and I to Milan. Obviously we were always close
Andy van der Meyde, Former player of Ajax

Andy van der Meyde: “Cristian was respectful, always smiling at Ajax. I would call him a real gentleman”

Cristian was an innate leader in the locker room, respectful, always smiling. I would call him a real gentleman. At first, he received many red cards, but then matured. As a player, he was very strong: good at the marking, quickly in situations one by one, excellent at the remote kicks with the left foot.

Andy van der Meyde and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, former coechipier, in 2012. Photo: Imago Images

Otherwise he was driving me when I didn't have, making my driver from the hotel at the stadium. I am not surprised that he became a coach. These problems from the beginning of an experience are part of the job, and the defeat against Juve was unmerited, “said Andy van der Meyde.

Van der Meyde relies on Cristi's success at Inter: “The transition from Parma to Inter is a big, risky leap for anyone, but I think that The bosses know him well, they trust them, they put hope in it.

Inter is a huge stake, but I think he can win if he manages to get rid of the links. Thuram, Lautaro, Calhanoglu and the others have to forget the end of last season. ”

The Champions League was a great disappointment, with all the chaos that followed, the departure of the former coach and the controversies related to the transfer market. Chivu now begins a new era and has to work on the mentality. Has valuable players at Inter, with whom to try to return to the top
Andy van der Meydeformer player of Ajax

Andy van der Meyde: “The quality of the Nerazzuri is superior to Ajax, but also the rivals from Serie A, from Naples to Juventus”

Andy van der Meyde was frequently seen in the mall instead of being concerned about training and evolutions at Everton / Photo: Imago

Van der Meyde is convinced that Inter will take all the points in the duel of tomorrow evening from Amsterdam: “Ajax plays ugly football, the coach often changes the composition of the team and there is no stability.

The middle is static, devoid of technical quality, so fans are already complaining and say they no longer see Ajax's true football. Unfortunately, they are right.

Inter can take advantage of this and I think it will. The quality of the nerazzuri is superior, but it is also over that of the rivals in Serie A, from Naples to Juventus. “