|
|
Chivu emotional about Romania return
21 Feb 2013 12:45:00
The Inter defender faces Romanian opposition for the first time, but says he is focused on progressing to the last 16 with the Nerazzurri on Thursday
Inter's Cristian Chivu says he is looking forward to the "special" encounter, when his side face CFR Cluj in the Europa League last-32 second leg.The 32-year-old is one of his country's most famous sportsman, and he admits returning to play in his homeland will be an emotional occasion for him.
“It’s my first game against a Romanian side, so I am a little emotional. This is a special game for me," Chivu told reporters.
Inter take a 2-0 lead into the game but Chivu is adamant his side will not take their opponents lightly.
"It is an important match and obviously our objective is to qualify, though we certainly won’t say that after winning the first leg 2-0 the tie is all over," he continued.
"Cluj are a good side, which was clear in the Champions League, so we are not underestimating them."
There have been question marks over Chivu's fitness, and he admits he will not know whether he will be able to face the Romanian's until the last minute.
He added: “I am ready to play, but only after today’s training session will we know if I’m 100 per cent fit."
With the Milan derby looming on Sunday, Chivu spoke about the importance of both games, and which one he would rather win.
Chivu said: “Would I prefer to qualify for the next round of the Europa League or win the derby against Milan? I’d prefer both!”
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Inside Celtic: End of season review
With just the Scottish Cup final left before the summer break, Inside Celtic looks back on a memorable season for Neil Lennon's men
-
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
-
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants six new signings
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
-
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
-
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley