Stankovic and the anecdote about the two groups: Inter's message

The bond between Aleksander Stankovic and Inter runs deep, inevitably intertwined with the surname he bears and the memories of unforgettable days for the Nerazzurri fans. At the center of this story is also Chivu, who has a special relationship with the midfielder: they have known each other for a lifetime, as the Romanian coach was once a teammate of the boy’s father.

In an old interview given to Sky when he was still playing for Brugge, before returning to the Nerazzurri, Stankovic revealed a significant episode dating back to his Under-14 days. An anecdote that says a lot about the Nerazzurri method and his relationship with Chivu, who was already present in the youth sector at the time.

“Once, in the Under-14s, they decided to create two groups, one more ready and one more experimental. Everyone expected me to be in the first group, also because of my surname and because Chivu had been my dad’s teammate. Instead, the club put me in the second group. Clear message: no one gives you anything for free,” said the Serbian.

The young midfielder then elaborated on his bond with the coach: “I have a special relationship with him. He’s known me for many years. He has always told me that you go on the pitch with courage and without an identity card. If you’re good, you play. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old.”

Words that testify to a path of growth built on merit, far from any favoritism linked to a famous surname, and that tell of the philosophy Chivu passes on to his boys: on the pitch, only talent counts, regardless of age.