Inter central defender Stefan de Vrij has shared his delight with being named the best defender in Serie A last season and shared what he thinks it says about him.

“The league organisers decide it, based on how you play during the season. I think it’s a great honour, it’s a confirmation of the level I reached in Italy last year,” he explained in an interview with Dutch news outlet Voetbal Primeur, which they shared on their online edition.

The Dutch national team player then went on to speak about his style of play: “I’ll never be an asshole. I’ve never been a dirty player. That’s why I really like that I was elected as the best defender in Serie A. I did everything my way and that’s what gives me even more pride.”

He was then asked about The Netherlands current crop of central defenders including himself, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt.

“I have no idea how that’s possible! Maybe defenders are being looked at differently in Holland now?”

Stefan de Vrij joined Inter on a free transfer in the Summer of 2018 following the expiration of his contract with Lazio at the end of the previous season.

The 28-year-old, who is contracted to Inter until the end of the 2022/23 season, has made a total of 84 appearances across all competitions to date for Inter, in which he has scored six goals and provided as many assists.