De Vrij aims subtle dig at Inter after exit: 'I wanted to feel important again'
Quick summary
Stefan de Vrij has taken a subtle dig at Inter Milan following his departure, saying he wanted to feel important again at a new club.
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Attributed to original sourceStefan de Vrij has offered a pointed explanation for his decision to leave Inter and Serie A, in comments that read as a subtle dig at his former club.
The Netherlands defender, whose contract expired at the end of June, has joined Greek side Panathinaikos after years as a fixture in the Inter backline, a spell that brought the Scudetto among other honours, but ended with a diminished role.
Speaking to ESPN on the sidelines of a friendly between Panathinaikos and Ajax, he made clear that a desire for prominence drove the move.
“My contract was expiring and I wanted to go back to being an important player somewhere,” De Vrij said, with quotes courtesy of LaLazioSiamoNoi .
“Unfortunately, last year I didn’t play much at Inter.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Stefan de Vrij of FC Internazionale Milano poses for a photo with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) De Vrij drawn to Panathinaikos project after Inter exit The 34-year-old, who began his Italian adventure at Lazio before the switch to Inter, was tempted by the ambition of his new surroundings, and, by his own admission, by the city itself.
“Then I discovered this beautiful historic club that hasn’t won trophies for a long time,” he explained. “They’re working on a very good project and have taken the right path, with a new board and a new young, modern coach. That attracted me. And then I was on holiday in Athens, a fantastic place. Did that holiday play a role? Yes, let’s say it was a coincidence.”
He was more guarded on suggestions of a possible move to Feyenoord, adding that a minor injury had complicated things while stressing he remains available for the Netherlands after their early World Cup exit.
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What happened
Stefan de Vrij has spoken about his exit from Inter Milan, suggesting he did not feel valued or important at the club. The veteran Dutch defender, who has been a key part of Inter's defense in recent seasons, is now seeking a new challenge where he can be a central figure. His comments suggest some tension or dissatisfaction with how he was treated toward the end of his Inter career.
Chance analysis
De Vrij's comments signal a fractured relationship with Inter and suggest the club's sporting hierarchy did not prioritize retaining or properly utilizing the experienced Dutch defender. This is notable as Inter lose a seasoned, high-caliber center-back, though his market value was clearly declining. The fact that he is 'aiming a dig' rather than departing quietly suggests potential locker-room tension and may indicate Inter's squad management approach could affect future recruitment and retention of veteran players.
Inter Milan lose an experienced defender and face reputational risk over player treatment; de Vrij seeks renewed prominence and motivation at his next club.
De Vrij's departure weakens Inter's defensive depth and signals potential dressing-room friction; any prediction model should note Inter's center-back resources have been diminished.