Netherlands Star Quashes Inter Milan Exit Rumours: ‘My Goal Was Always To Stay’ | OneFootball

Wingback Denzel Dumfries says that his “goal was always to stay” at Inter Milan this summer despite transfer rumours.

The Netherlands international spoke to Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews. He also argued that Inter are the favourites to win the Serie A title next season.

Denzel Dumfries was the subject of some transfer rumours this summer.

Firstly, there was the fact that the 29-year-old reportedly had a release clause worth €25 million in his contract.

However, that clause expired at the end of July.

Furthermore, Dumfries changed agents this summer. He came under the representation of Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes.

Reportedly, Mendes offered Dumfries to Barcelona. Meanwhile, Manchester City were reportedly considering a move for the Dutchman.

Denzel Dumfries: “Goal Was Always To Stay At Inter Milan”

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Denzel Dumfries #2 of FC Internazionale Milano is challenged by Marcos Acuña #21 of CA River Plate during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

However, Dumfries himself claimed that “For me, my goal was always clear: to stay at Inter.”

“I’m an Inter player,” the 29-year-old went on. “And I know that the club’s thoughts were the same.”

“A lot of people have talked about me moving,” Dumfries said. “But for me there were never any doubts.”

“I’m very happy at Inter. I want to stay here.”

Meanwhile, Dumfries spoke about the tensions between Inter captain Lautaro Martinez and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu this summer.

“I was very calm about that situation,” he said.

“I know that we all worked hard to win. Both Calhanoglu and Lautaro are winners, so they’re very competitive.”

“But they straightened things out between themselves,” said Dumfries. “And then they talked to the group.”

Dumfries declared that “we’re the same as before: united and fired up.”

“Last season we were a family,” said the former PSV wingback. “These things can happen.”

“Not winning titles isn’t good enough for Inter. Now we’re working to achieve our goals.”

Then, Dumfries gave his thoughts on the arrival of Luis Henrique. The Brazilian will back him up in – and compete for – the right-wingback spot.

Dumfries called Henrique “a fast, dynamic, excellent player.”

“There’s always competition here at Inter. I had it with Darmian, Cuadrado, Buchanan.”

“It’s always difficult to compete at this club,” said Dumfries. “But it’s helpful, because it makes you better players.”

“The most important thing is to work for the team,” the Dutchman declared.

Dumfries: “Inter Favourites For The Serie A Title”

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 18: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Dumfries had no doubts about who the favourites are for the Serie A title this season. “It’s us,” he said. “Because we’re a great team.”

“Obviously, over the season we’ll have to do things a certain way to win,” he said.

“Last season we missed the right moment to get ahead of our rivals, and we threw away a few too many opportunities.”

“But we’ve learned,” Dumfries insisted.

“I know that we’re the favourites. But we have to prove it. We need to have last season’s hunger to win.”

Meanwhile, Dumfries commented that Inter “work harder than before” in training under coach Cristian Chivu.

“The training sessions are longer. It’s a bit too early to really see the differences with Inzaghi. But I’ve been impressed by the coach, just as I was with Inzaghi.”

“They’re both coaches who are very close with their players,” Dumfries said.

“They talk with the group. That’s something I love.”

“I can’t wait to work with Chivu,” Dumfries said, calling the Romanian “a young, talented coach.”