‘I’m happy!’ – Cristian Chivu hails Inter courage despite narrow Champions League defeat to Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid

The fixture also provided a sentimental backdrop, as Chivu came up against his former mentor, Jose Mourinho, who has returned to the Real Madrid dugout this season. The pair famously shared a historic period at San Siro, most notably securing their legendary treble achievements in the 2009-10 season.

Reflecting on the meeting, Chivu spoke warmly of the man who led him to Champions League glory over a decade ago. “I have enormous affection for Mourinho for everything we did together, even during a difficult period in my life, and for the way he conducted himself as a great man,” Chivu said. “It was a pleasure to see him again and embrace him, and I wish him all the best for this season.”