Netherlands Star Looks Back On Whirlwind Move To Inter Milan In 2021: ‘The Call, The First Day…’

Denzel Dumfries remembers the process of joining Inter Milan from PSV in the summer of 2021 as hectic.

The 28-year-old spoke to Rome-based newspaper La Repubblica, via FCInterNews. He also gave his thoughts on the difference between trying to win another Serie A title and the Champions League.

Dumfries is now in the middle of his fourth season at Inter.

The Dutchman is a very familiar face at the Nerazzurri at this point.

Moreover, Dumfries recently signed a contract extension with Inter. Therefore, it looks as though he’s not going anywhere right away.

Dumfries joined Inter from Dutch club PSV in the summer of 2021. He joined as the replacement for Achraf Hakimi on the Nerazzurri’s right flank following the Moroccan’s big money move to Paris Saint-Germain.

It’s not always been smooth sailing for Dumfries at Inter. He has had a few injuries to contend with. And he’s had stern competition to start at right-wingback from Matteo Darmian.

But Dumfries has also had more than his share of successes at Inter.

The Dutchman has started in a Champions League final for the Nerazzurri, and last season he had his part to play in winning the Serie A title.

Denzel Dumfries Looks Back On Whirlwind 2021 Move To Inter Milan

Dumfries recalled how his transfer to Inter first took shape in 2021. It began with a call from the Nerazzurri’s Sporting Director.

“Piero Ausilio called me while I was playing padel,” the Dutchman looked back.

“He told me to drop the racket and immediately run to Milan!”

“He’d already spoken with Mino [Raoila, Dumfries’s former agent],” Dumfries looked back.

Of replacing Achraf Hakimi at Inter, Dumfries said that “Achraf is a great player, but I didn’t feel any pressure.”

“I believe in myself,” the former PSV star insisted. “And Inzaghi gave me confidence.”

“He helped me to become more solid, and to learn Italian football.”

“I can’t say that he’s a friend, because he’s my coach,” Dumfries said of Inzaghi. “But he’s an exceptional person, we have a great relationship.”

“Even if my first day at [Inter training ground] Pinetina wasn’t the best…” he looked back.

The Dutchman elaborated, “I thought I’d just take a couple pictures there, shake hands with people. But they put me in training immediately.”

“I opened my bag that I had in the car, and found two left boots!” Dumfries recalled. “I had to borrow a right one.”

Meanwhile, Dumfries agreed with the assessment of his Inter teammate Alessandro Bastoni that it would be better to reach another Champions League final than to win another Serie A title.

“Basto is always right,” the 28-year-old said. “The league is very important, but losing the final in Istanbul in 2023 wasn’t easy.”

“I’ve never been able to re-watch that match,” Dumfries admitted.

“We want another chance. And we’ll do everything we can to win it.”

Then, Dumfries gave his thoughts on the contrasting attacking performances in Serie A and the Champions League. “We’ve talked about it,” he said. “But there isn’t a simple explanation.”

“In the cup matches we have to keep our fighting spirit – but also score more goals.”

“But right now let’s think about Lazio,” Dumfries looked ahead to Inter’s next match. “They’re a top side.”