Inter tried a sensational Mourinho return before Chivu decision | OneFootball

Before choosing Cristian Chivu, Inter had reportedly made a remarkable attempt to bring Jose Mourinho back to San Siro from Fenerbahce.

The Nerazzurri found themselves needing a new coach after Simone Inzaghi accepted the huge offer from Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

VERONA, ITALY – MARCH 31: Cristian Chivu head coach of Parma calcio reacts during the Serie A match between Verona and Parma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on March 31, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The coach flew out this afternoon to Saudi Arabia to begin his new job, having signed the contract in Paris this week.

Inter are set to sign his replacement Chivu this evening on a two-year contract, having missed out on first choice Cesc Fabregas of Como.

Mourinho was on Inter list before Chivu

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho lifts the trophy in front of his team after winning the UEFA Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, 22 May 2010. EPA/EMILIO NARANJO NO MOBILE DEVICES

According to Repubblica newspaper, there was another candidate who was approached before they plumped for Chivu and it was his old boss, Mourinho.

Chivu was a player in the Inter side that won the Treble in 2009-10 with Mourinho at the helm.

There was an attempt to bring the Special One back to San Siro this summer, but considering he is under contract at Fenerbahce and timing was of the essence to find a new coach to begin the Club World Cup, it was short-lived.

Mourinho is under contract with Fenerbahce until June 2026 and earns a reported €6m per season net.