Inter Milan Star Emotional Over Champions League Return To Feyenoord: ‘It Holds A Special Place In My Heart’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij admits that Champions League opponents Feyenoord hold a “special place” in his heart.

The Netherlands international spoke to Dutch outlet Voetbal international, via FCinterNews. He also made clear that he is not expecting an easy match against the Eredivisie side.

Inter now know who they’ll be facing in the next round of the Champions League.

Next month, the Nerazzurri will face Feyenoord in a two-legged round of sixteen tie.

The Rotterdam-based club knocked Inter’s city rivals AC Milan out of the Champions League in the playoff round over the past couple of weeks.

And for Inter defender sempreinter, the round of sixteen tie will mean something of a return home.

De Vrij came through the youth ranks of Feyenoord.

It was at Feyenoord that the Dutchman really showed his promise as a defender, even at a young age.

De Vrij earned a spot in the Netherlands squad for the 2014 World Cup. And then, he got a transfer to Lazio that summer.

In four seasons with the Biancocelesti de Vrij established himself as one of the outstanding defenders in Serie A.

Inter Milan Defender Stefan De Vrij Admits: “Feyenoord Hold A Special Place In My Heart”

In 2018, Inter scored a major free transfer coup to sign Stefan de Vrij after his contract with Lazio had expired.

And the 33-year-old has been at the Nerazzurri ever since.

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Stefan de Vrij of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team fourth goal during the Serie A match between Verona and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Now, de Vrij is a very different player than he had been at Feyenoord. Rather than a young and unproven talent, the Dutchman is a veteran.

And de Vrij has added to his trophy cabinet since leaving Rotterdam.

With Inter, the Dutchman has won the Serie A title twice, the Coppa Italia twice, and the Supercoppa Italiana twice.

The Nerazzurri have also reached the Champions League and Europa League finals since de Vrij’s arrival, and finished second in the Serie A table on two occasions.

And now, de Vrij and Inter face Feyenoord. “I can’t wait,” said the Dutchman. “When the possibility opened up for it, I really hoped that this would be the draw.”

“I’ve always wanted to play against Feyenoord. Because for me it will be like returning home.”

“I grew up there,” de Vrij said. “I owe a lot to that club, Feyenoord, and it still holds a special place in my heart.”

The defender noted that “I know from personal experience how fantastic the atmosphere will be.”

And de Vrij certainly isn’t underestimating his old team. “Feyenoord are having a great Champions League,” he said. “They beat Benfica and Benfica.”

“They got a comeback against Manchester City that was brilliant. Then they beat Bayern Munich and knocked out Milan.”

“So it’ll be anything but easy for us,” de Vrij anticipated.

“Because Feyenoord have a strong team, Particularly if they also get back some of the players who are out injured.”