Stefan de Vrij has expressed his desire to regain his status as an “important player” following his recent transfer from Inter Milan to Panathinaikos. The Dutch defender’s departure from the Serie A giants comes after an eight-year spell during which he was a fixture in the team, although his last season saw him relegated to limited playing time.
De Vrij completed his move to the Greek side at the end of last month after falling out of favour under coach Cristian Chivu. During his time at Inter, he made 296 appearances and garnered nine major trophies, including three Serie A titles. However, his role diminished greatly in the 2025-26 season, where he made only 20 appearances.
De Vrij’s Aspiration for Impact at Panathinaikos
In his first statements following the transfer, de Vrij noted that his decision to leave Inter was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully on the pitch. “My contract was expiring, and I wanted to go back to being an important player somewhere,” he said, acknowledging the lack of playing time in his final year at Inter.
Joining a Club with Ambition
The central defender also emphasised the allure of Panathinaikos, a club that has not claimed the Greek top-flight title since the 2009-10 season. “They’re working on a very good project and have taken the right path, with a new board and a new young, modern coach,” de Vrij explained, highlighting the positive trajectory he perceives at the club.
The Appeal of Athens
De Vrij revealed that his experiences during a holiday in Athens played a role in his decision to join Panathinaikos. “Did that holiday play a role? Yes, let’s say it was a coincidence.” He conveyed excitement about his prospect at a club with a rich history looking to reclaim its former glory.
International Career Still on the Agenda
Despite the disappointment of the Netherlands’ early exit from the World Cup at the hands of Morocco, de Vrij remains focused on his international career. He clarified that retirement from international duty is not on his mind, signalling his intent to continue contributing to the national team.
The SportiveNews view
De Vrij’s move to Panathinaikos represents his determination to have a renewed impact on the pitch in the latter stages of his career. If he can replicate even a fraction of his previous form, he could play a pivotal role in revitalising a club eager to break its long trophy drought.
Frequently asked questions
What motivated Stefan de Vrij’s transfer to Panathinaikos?
Stefan de Vrij sought to become an “important player” again after limited playing time at Inter Milan. He noted that his wish to leave was spurred by the expiration of his contract and the opportunity to join Panathinaikos, which is on an upward trajectory.
How does De Vrij view Panathinaikos’s future?
De Vrij is optimistic about Panathinaikos’s ambitions, highlighting a solid project being developed under a new board and a young coach. He believes this positive shift is essential for the club, which has not won the league since the 2009-10 season.
Source: Based on reporting from Soccer News. SportiveNews rewrote and analysed the story independently for football readers.
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