Ex Romania Coach Reveals ‘Cristian Chivu Called Me When Inter Milan Asked To Be Coach – He Couldn’t Believe It!’ | OneFootball

Former Romania coach Victor Piturca says that Cristian Chivu “couldn’t believe it” when Inter Milan asked him to become coach.

The former coach spoke to Romanian outlet Digi Sport, via FCInterNews.

Inter Milan have made Cristian Chivu their new coach.

While the 44-year-old has a long association with the Nerazzurri from his playing days, he is nevertheless something of a surprise name to replace Simone Inzaghi.

Chivu has also coached Inter at various youth levels, with a fair bit of success.

However, the Romanian only has a grand total of thirteen matches of senior coaching experience under his belt. Therefore, his appointment certainly constitutes a risk for Inter.

Ex Romania Coach Pitruca: “Cristian Chivu Couldn’t Believe It” When Inter Milan Asked Him To Coach

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 11: Head coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale Milano after disembarking at Los Angeles International Airport for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on June 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Chivu’s former coach from his Romania international career Victor Pitruca revealed that “He didn’t believe it!”

“But I’d already predicted that he’d sign for Inter.”

“Can you believe it? Before he signed, he called me, I spoke with him before and after every game when he was in charge of Parma.”

“I encouraged him,” said Pitruca.

“I’m an Inter fan. And I always told him it would be sensational if he took over at Inter.”

‘He didn’t really believe it at first,” added the former coach. “I told him: ‘If Inter fail to win the title, they’ll think of you if you keep this team up.'”

Then, Pitruca added that “I think he considered this possibility, even if he told me he didn’t.”

“For Romania football, it’s fantastic.”

Meanwhile, Pitruca recalled an exchange with Chivu after the coach’s Parma team got a 2-2 comeback draw with Inter in April. “He messaged me, ‘Are you happy?'”

“Of course I was happy! I support Inter. But I was happy for him.”

“I thought Inter would have won the title any way,” said Pitruce. “That’s what I told him then.”