Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij admits that Champions League opponents Feyenoord maintain a “particular place” in his coronary heart.
The Netherlands worldwide spoke to Dutch outlet Voetbal worldwide, by way of . He additionally made clear that he’s not anticipating a straightforward match towards the Eredivisie facet.
Inter now know who they’ll be going through within the subsequent spherical of the Champions League.
Subsequent month, the Nerazzurri will face in a two-legged spherical of sixteen tie.
The Rotterdam-based membership knocked Inter’s metropolis rivals AC Milan out of the Champions League within the playoff spherical over the previous couple of weeks.
And for Inter defender sempreinter, the spherical of sixteen tie will imply one thing of a return dwelling.
De Vrij got here via the youth ranks of Feyenoord.
It was at Feyenoord that the Dutchman actually confirmed his promise as a defender, even at a younger age.
De Vrij earned a spot within the Netherlands squad for the 2014 World Cup. After which, he bought a switch to Lazio that summer season.
In 4 seasons with the Biancocelesti de Vrij established himself as one of many excellent defenders in Serie A.
Inter Milan Defender Stefan De Vrij Admits: “Feyenoord Maintain A Particular Place In My Coronary heart”
In 2018, Inter scored a significant free switch coup to signal after his contract with Lazio had expired.
And the 33-year-old has been on the Nerazzurri ever since.
Now, de Vrij is a really completely different participant than he had been at Feyenoord. Reasonably than a younger and unproven expertise, the Dutchman is a veteran.
And de Vrij has added to his trophy cupboard since leaving Rotterdam.
With Inter, the Dutchman has gained the Serie A title twice, the Coppa Italia twice, and the Supercoppa Italiana twice.
The Nerazzurri have additionally reached the Champions League and Europa League finals since de Vrij’s arrival, and completed second within the Serie A desk on two events.
And now, de Vrij and Inter face Feyenoord. “I can’t wait,” stated the Dutchman. “When the chance opened up for it, I actually hoped that this could be the draw.”
“I’ve all the time needed to play towards Feyenoord. As a result of for me it is going to be like returning dwelling.”
“I grew up there,” de Vrij stated. “I owe rather a lot to that membership, Feyenoord, and it nonetheless holds a particular place in my coronary heart.”
The defender famous that “I do know from private expertise how incredible the ambiance might be.”
And de Vrij definitely isn’t underestimating his previous staff. “Feyenoord are having an awesome Champions League,” he stated. “They beat Benfica and Benfica.”
“They bought a comeback towards Manchester Metropolis that was sensible. Then they beat Bayern Munich and knocked out Milan.”
“So it’ll be something however straightforward for us,” de Vrij anticipated.
“As a result of Feyenoord have a robust staff, Notably if in addition they get again a few of the gamers who’re out injured.”
