Stefan de Vrij has lauded his Inter teammates for winning the Serie A title and sung the praises of tactical genius Antonio Conte.
Inter were confirmed as champions on Sunday for the first time since 2010, after they beat Crotone and Atalanta were held to a draw at Sassuolo.
De Vrij was one of the Nerazzurri’s most important player this season, taking control of their three-man defence and delivering countless assured performances.
“Inter have gone through difficult moments, this is a big achievement for the club,” the defender told Dutch news outlet Algemeen Dagblad today.
“Everyone was in the piazza by the Duomo in Milan, they’re all very happy.
“The club certainly has ambitions to keep going but let’s enjoy this achievement for now.”
De Vrij has spent two seasons playing under Antonio Conte and admits it is now no mystery to him how Conte has picked up so many trophies in his career.
“When you work with Conte, you understand why he’s had so much sucess,” the centre-back explained.
“He’s so passionate and demanding and tactically he’s very strong.
“We’re prepared for every game down to the smallest detail, we know everything about our opponent and how they attack and defend.”
De Vrij was also asked about Inter’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League last December, delivering a true leader’s response to the suggestion that it helped them win the league.
“You will never hear from my mouth that it was an advantage for the scudetto,” the 29-year-old assured.
“It was a big disappointment.”
De Vrij also spoke on Inter’s participation in last season’s UEFA Europa League final and how it helped set up their scudetto triumph.
“It was a real disappointment but it helped us make the next step.
“This Inter team now is stable, solid and united; last season we conceded goals towards the end of the games and this season that hasn’t happened much.
“We’ve always stayed patient and that’s made the difference.”