Inter full-back Denzel Dumfries says he still dreams of a move to the Premier League one day and ruled out ever having dinner with Theo Hernandez. The Dutch international was speaking with GianlucaDiMarzio.com, discussing various topics, including Inter’s 20th Scudetto clinched by beating Milan in the derby, the Champions League final lost 12 months ago, his future with the Nerazzurri, Premier League rumors, and his rivalry with Hernandez:
How wonderful to win the second star Scudetto on Milan’s turf
“It’s beautiful, but I already felt it when I came to Inter,” the Dutch full-back told us. “The first year, we wasted it, but now we’ve done it. The second star is wonderful. For the club and all of us, the celebration was crazy. I’m so happy to have won the second star Scudetto, especially on Milan’s turf, which is extra special (laughs). All Inter fans hoped to win the title in that game. I think with the great season we had, we fully deserved the Scudetto. We’re proud to have sewn the second star onto our jersey.”
“Unchallenged Scudetto? Still a joy, we dreamed of it for three years”
When asked if he ‘enjoyed’ the Tricolore despite the lack of competition after a dominant campaign, the Dutch international responded: “Of course, we enjoyed it because we worked hard for three years to achieve this goal. I joined Inter in 2021 with Simone Inzaghi, and since then, our mission, our objective, was to win the league and the second star. And I’m delighted to have finally succeeded.”
Better Inter: The one that reached Istanbul or the star-winning team? Two great sides, hard to choose
Dumfries then compared the Inter side that reached the Champions League final and the one with Sommer, Pavard, and Thuram that just won Serie A. “It’s hard to choose because we’re talking about two great teams that had their qualities and characters. The second year, the one with the Champions League final, we had great players with a lot of experience. But each of the two teams was competitive, and I felt good in both. It’s impossible to say which one is better.”
Man City deserved the Champions League, but we’ll try again
When asked if Inter deserved more in Istanbul against Manchester City, he said: “We played a great game, but if Man City won, it means they deserved it. But that doesn’t take away from our fantastic journey to the final. We’re men, and we have to accept defeat. Inter is a great team, and if we continue to work well and grow, we’ll try to win the Champions League again. I have faith in the team, the coach, the staff, and the quality of my teammates. We have an excellent chance of winning this cup.”
Future at Inter? My blood is Nerazzurri, but I dream of the Premier League
The Dutch winger, who replaced Achraf Hakimi three summers ago, has one more year left on his Inter contract. But as every summer, the rich Premier League clubs have set their sights on him. Will his future still be at Appiano Gentile? “I think so. Inter is a great club that I’m in love with. The people and teammates are like family to me. I feel at home at Inter. We’ve been discussing my renewal for a while… but the club was in financial difficulties. Then, as everyone knows, the club changed ownership. But during or maybe after the Euros, we’ll see what happens.”
“It’s no secret that I’d like to play in the Premier League. I love that league, and my style of play suits English football. But it’s a blessing from God that I can play for Inter, where I’ve won six trophies in three years. As I said, this is my home, and my family is happy in Milan. I could never leave Inter just to realize a ‘dream.’ My blood is Nerazzurri, this is my family! I’m very attached to the entire environment, including the warehouse workers and doctors… I really have a great relationship with everyone.”
Me at Milan or Juve? Never say never
Can I promise that I’ll never go to Milan or Juve? “As I’ve said, I love Inter, but in football, you never know. Even though I repeat, I’ve never thought about it because I don’t want to leave.”
Theo Hernandez? No hatred, but we’ll never go to dinner together
Currently involved in Euro 2024, Dumfries spoke about the ever-heated rivalry with Theo Hernandez: “With him, there are always fiery battles, but it’s normal for that to happen in a derby. However, I have no problem with Theo. Each of us defends the colors of our club. He loves Milan, I love Inter, and it’s always beautiful to face him on the pitch because with him, they’re real battles. I want to make it clear, though, that I don’t have any hatred towards him, even if no, I don’t think we’ll ever go to dinner together. Between Theo and me, there’s only a sporting rivalry. We respect each other, and that’s what matters. I love sports, rivalries, and the tension of matches. And then the Milan derby is always a special game. And this type of duel, like the ones between Theo and me, is in the DNA of these matches, making them special.”
