“His merits are greater than the team's!” » He trained Cristi Chivu at the beginning of his career and does not forget his weakness: “It was his life”

Romanian and European football applaud in unison the convincing title campaign achieved by Cristi Chivu with Inter, champion in Serie A since the first season he spent as coach of “Il Biscione”.

Bondrea, who spoke highly of Chivu from the moment of his installation at Parma, characterized the Inter coach, also bringing into discussion the vice he never shied away from – smoking. The two collaborated in Bănie at the end of the 90s.

He coached the teenager Cristi Chivu and reveals: “He devoted himself entirely to football and family”

Even if he did not imagine that coach Chivu would have such a trajectory, Bondrea highlights the main characteristics that he has noticed in him since then:

“It's a big surprise for everyone. It's worth it, especially since he's completely dedicated himself to football and his family, which is a great thing. Every time, he had a constructive speech, regardless of what happened on the field. And opposite his team, but also in relation to the opponents.

It's something special, again his merits are greater than those of the team.

He was young when I trained him, he was 19 years old. Good player, concerned with football. He smoked quite a lot, but cigarettes were his life (laugh). I understand that he still smokes. It's his vice, and then he smoked. I caught his attention again. He was very good friends with Tibi Lung, Silviu's boy.

Congratulations to Cristi! It was clear that he has a great footballing future, but I did not think that he would also embrace this coaching career. Of course, it was early then, he was only 19 years old.

Some people will say that “he happened to take the title”. Now comes the confirmation. Next year, Inter fans probably want to take the title five stages ahead, not three (laugh). It's a pride, and Cristi always remembered Romania, his Reșita. I was very good friends with his father, with Mircea Chivu, who left very early”, said Bondrea, in dialogue with GSP.ro.

Schooled in Valea Domanului, Cristi Chivu debuted in League 1 in 1997, in the shirt of CSM Reșita. Later, he transferred to Craiova University (disaffiliated club), from where he made the big step to Ajax Amsterdam.

I went to smoke a cigarette, I have a few vices, I apologize for that. But yes, they deserve it, and so does the club, which has always tried to console and support us in times of need.

I'm an unusual person, I had to talk to myself at some point between life and death, so that's when I lost my ego. I don't feel the need to talk about myself.

– Cristi Chivu, Inter Milan coach, after securing the title

Javier Zanetti: “Cristi Chivu is our leader”

The vice-president of the champion, the legendary Javier Zanetti, spoke highly of his former teammate Cristi Chivu. The Argentinian believes that this scudetto is primarily due to the Romanian technician!

“I am incredibly happy for Cristian, because he is a brother to our team. Ever since he coached Primavera, his great passion was evident. Winning is never easy and he did it with awareness and faith in his work. We are here to celebrate,” commented the former Nerazzurri defender.

Asked who he believes is primarily due for this 21st Scudetto in Nerazzurra history, Zanetti had no hesitation: “I always say the group, but if I had to name one, I would say Chivu. It wasn't easy for the boys to recover from last season, but Chivu did a really great job.

Behind them were Napoli, Milan and the other teams. He is our leader. Lautaro? I am delighted with him. When we went to Argentina to transfer him, we did not expect such incredible qualities. He is a driving force, always present and feels part of our family. He tries to convey the values ​​of the club. We hope he will continue to be an important figure in Inter's history.”

PHOTO. Mister Cristi Chivu, first-time champion with Inter Milan