Stankovic: Following in Father’s Footsteps at Inter – ‘My Dream Was to Play for Inter, My Dad Is Even More Excited Than Me’

FolioPitch.com – 08 July 2026 | Aleksandar Stankovic has officially returned to Inter Milan, and in his first interview since the move, he emphasized that Stankovic: My dream was to play for Inter, my dad is even more excited than me. The 20-year-old Serbia international joined Inter from Club Brugge for €23 million, activating a buy-back clause after a stellar season in Belgium.

Stankovic’s journey back to the Nerazzurri is a story steeped in family legacy. His father, Dejan Stankovic, spent nine years at Inter, winning the treble in 2010 under Jose Mourinho. Now, the younger Stankovic aims to carve his own path. ‘It’s impossible to put into words. I started playing football because of Inter, because my dream was to play at San Siro,’ he said. ‘Stankovic: My dream was to play for Inter, my dad is even more excited than me. He’s probably even more excited than I am, just like my brothers and my mum.’

The move marks Inter’s first signing of the summer window, and Stankovic is eager to reunite with head coach Cristian Chivu, who coached him in the Primavera youth setup. ‘He had a huge impact on my career. He took me under his wing when I was still just a kid,’ Stankovic recalled. ‘He taught me so much, both on and off the pitch.’

Stankovic spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Club Brugge, where he impressed in both the Belgian Pro League and the Champions League. The experience helped him develop significantly. ‘It was an amazing experience. I learned so much, both on and off the pitch. Club Brugge placed a huge emphasis on developing young players, and they helped me enormously,’ he said.

The midfielder is no stranger to the Inter environment, having come through the club’s youth ranks alongside players like Pio Esposito. He also maintains a close bond with Federico Dimarco. ‘I speak regularly with Pio and Federico Dimarco. Federico is like an older brother to me. We talk almost every day and have a special bond,’ Stankovic revealed.

As he prepares for life under Chivu again, Stankovic acknowledges the learning curve ahead. ‘That will become clearer once I start working with the coach and understand his ideas. There are still a lot of things I need to learn, but training alongside so many top players will help me improve even more,’ he said.

For the Nerazzurri faithful, Stankovic promises dedication. ‘I’m really looking forward to seeing them again at the stadium, this time as a player rather than a supporter. I hope I can give them plenty to cheer about, and I can’t wait to hear them chanting my name.’

With a price tag of €23 million and a famous surname, expectations are high. But Stankovic remains focused on his own development. ‘Stankovic: My dream was to play for Inter, my dad is even more excited than me. For us, as a family of Inter fans, this really is a dream come true. We’re all delighted, and I’m sure he’s proud of me too.’

As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Aleksandar Stankovic to see if he can live up to the legacy of his father and become a key figure in Inter’s midfield for years to come. The sentiment echoes throughout the club: Stankovic: My dream was to play for Inter, my dad is even more excited than me.