Davide Santon heaped praise on Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu, who was his teammate during his early years at the club.

The Romanian was at the peak of his powers during his playing spell at Inter. Following his retirement, he started coaching the club’s youth ranks.

Last season, he had a brief but successful spell at Parma, helping the Ducali avoid relegation. This convinced Beppe Marotta to bring back to Appiano Gentile swiftly and entrust him with the first team.

The 45-year-old endured several highs and lows in his first season in charge. Nevertheless, the Nerazzurri are confidently marching towards the Scudetto title. All reliable bookmakers, including LiveScore BetUK betting app, consider them the absolute favourites to claim their 21st domestic league title at the end of the season.

On the other hand, Santon had a different career path compared to Chivu’s, one that perhaps peaked too soon.

The Italian hung up his boots at the age of 31, putting an end to a career that never quite reached the expected heights.

The left-back is an Inter youth product who burst onto the scene in 2008, when Jose Mourinho was in charge.

The 35-year-old was part of the squad that went on to win the historic treble.

However, Santon wasn’t a regular starter. After all, that squad was blistering with top-notch names vying for a starting role.

Davide Santon Lauds His Former Inter Milan Teammate Cristian Chivu

During his original spell at Appiano Gentile, the Italian had to vie for a starting role against the likes of Maxwell, the iconic Javier Zanetti, and Cristian Chivu.

Despite his limited playing time, Santon relished the opportunity to train alongside the Romanian.

Moreover, the Portomaggiore native revealed himself as a big fan of Chivu the manager as well.

“Chivu was a fantastic teammate, but as a coach he’s impressing me even more,” said the former Inter player in his interview with the club’s Matchday Programme via FcInterNews.

“Cristian is a wonderful person, and I really like the way he communicates. I always follow his press conferences; he never gets a statement wrong.

“He had the merit of getting into the players’ heads straight away, and I congratulate him because he’s having a fantastic season.”

Santon also admitted to being overcome by bittersweet feelings regarding his time at Inter.

“Every time I have the chance to come back here to Milan, I feel something incredible, even if there’s a bit of melancholy because I realise I’m getting older.

“My journey with Inter was long and beautiful. I grew up here and experienced wonderful things. Every time I return, I’m flooded with memories; there’s always a bit of nostalgia.”