De Vrij Opens Up on Inter Exit: ‘I Wanted to Feel Important Again’

FolioPitch.com – 05 July 2026 | Stefan de Vrij aims subtle dig at Inter after exit I wanted to feel important again, as the Dutch defender departed Serie A for Greek side Panathinaikos. The 34-year-old center-back, whose contract with Inter expired at the end of June, has joined the Athens club on a free transfer, ending a successful but diminishing spell at the San Siro. In an interview with ESPN, De Vrij made clear that his decision was driven by a desire for a more prominent role.

De Vrij aims subtle dig at Inter after exit I wanted to feel important again, explaining that his reduced playing time last season motivated the move. ‘My contract was expiring and I wanted to go back to being an important player somewhere,’ he said. ‘Unfortunately, last year I didn’t play much at Inter.’ The defender, who won the Scudetto with Inter in 2021 and the Coppa Italia in 2022, saw his appearances dwindle under Simone Inzaghi, falling behind Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, and others in the pecking order.

The Netherlands international began his Italian adventure at Lazio in 2015, moving to Inter in 2018. Over six seasons with the Nerazzurri, he made 174 appearances, but his role gradually decreased. While he still contributed to Inter’s Champions League final run in 2023, his playing time dropped to just 18 Serie A starts last season. De Vrij aims subtle dig at Inter after exit I wanted to feel important again, subtly criticizing the club’s lack of faith in him despite his long service.

De Vrij was attracted by Panathinaikos’ ambition. ‘Then I discovered this beautiful historic club that hasn’t won trophies for a long time,’ he explained. ‘They’re working on a very good project and have taken the right path, with a new board and a new young, modern coach. That attracted me.’ The Greek Super League side, which last won the league in 2010, appointed Dutch coach Diego Alonso this summer. De Vrij also admitted that a holiday in Athens influenced his choice: ‘I was on holiday in Athens, a fantastic place. Did that holiday play a role? Yes, let’s say it was a coincidence.’

The defender was also linked with a return to the Netherlands with Feyenoord, but he revealed a minor injury complicated negotiations. ‘There was some interest, but I had a small injury that made things difficult,’ he said. De Vrij remains available for the Netherlands national team despite their early exit from the World Cup in Qatar, where they lost to Argentina in the quarterfinals.

De Vrij’s departure is part of a larger defensive reshuffle at Inter, which has seen the arrivals of Yann Bisseck and Tomas Palacios. The club is also negotiating with Genoa for Radu Dragusin. For De Vrij, a new chapter begins in Athens. ‘I feel rejuvenated. It’s a beautiful city and a club with great history. I want to help them win trophies again.’ His comments not only reflect his personal ambitions but also serve as a subtle critique of Inter’s handling of veteran players.

In conclusion, Stefan de Vrij’s move to Panathinaikos marks the end of an era in Italian football. While he leaves Inter with fond memories, his words underscore a common tension between loyalty and opportunity in modern football. As the Greek side builds for the future, they have gained a seasoned defender eager to prove his worth once more. De Vrij’s subtle dig at Inter after exit I wanted to feel important again will likely resonate with players who have faced similar situations, reminding clubs that even stalwarts need to feel valued.