Inter's Chivu Praises Squad Amid Stankovic Transfer Speculation
Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu has addressed the future of young midfielder Aleks Stankovic, acknowledging that the player's situation is "a transfer market topic." Speaking at a press conference ahead of Inter's Serie A match against Torino, Chivu confirmed the club is closely monitoring the 20-year-old, who is currently out on loan. The comments come as Inter close in on the Serie A title, with Chivu also providing updates on the fitness of several key players.
Chivu, who has a long-standing relationship with the Stankovic family, spoke warmly about the midfielder. "We follow him with a lot of attention and we know everything good he has done," Chivu said. "I know him very well, since he was 4-5 years old. He is like a son to me and we know well the growth he has made. If this summer we chose to give him an important experience in a competitive league, it means we are aware of it. We will think about him without any problems." Stankovic is currently on a season-long loan at Hellas Verona, where he has made 24 league appearances.
The manager's remarks suggest a decision on Stankovic's pathway will be made this summer, with a permanent sale, another loan, or integration into the Inter first team all potential outcomes. According to Italian media, several clubs are monitoring the Serbian youth international's progress. His future is one of several squad decisions awaiting the likely Italian champions as they plan for next season.
Chivu also delivered positive news on the injury front ahead of the final matches of the campaign. He confirmed that defender Alessandro Bastoni has returned to training and is improving, though he still feels some discomfort. Striker Lautaro Martinez is expected to rejoin the group in training next week as he steps up his recovery. Perhaps the most surprising revelation was regarding midfielder Mihailo Sucic, whom Chivu revealed has been playing for the last two months with a triple fracture in his hand, an injury the club had not previously disclosed.
The press conference was largely a celebration of Inter's remarkable season, which sees them on the brink of securing the Scudetto. Chivu reflected on the journey, rejecting early-season narratives that the club's cycle was finished. "When they understood there was a possibility to remain competitive by going against the tide because everyone was talking about a finished cycle, they were reborn and found the right motivation," he stated. "It is no coincidence that we are first in the table with an important margin." He praised the extraordinary humanity of the squad, stating, "I love them to death and I hold them close."
With the title within touching distance, the immediate focus remains on the pitch. However, Chivu's comments on Stankovic clearly signal that planning for the future is already underway at Appiano Gentile. The club's strategy for integrating or cashing in on its promising loanees will be a key storyline once the championship is officially secured.
