Federico Pastorello, the agent representing Inter Milan defenders Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij, provided insights into their futures during an interview at the launch of the “Pepito Day” farewell match for Giuseppe Rossi. Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, Pastorello highlighted the club’s satisfaction with both players while acknowledging the challenges posed by Inter’s evolving strategy.
Inter’s Decision Pending
“Sooner or later, Inter will have to make evaluations,” Pastorello stated. “Both Acerbi and De Vrij have options for renewal, but it’s ultimately up to the club to decide. From what I understand, Inter are very pleased with both players’ performances. Francesco was sidelined for two and a half months due to injury, but his quality was evident upon his return. Meanwhile, Stefan has delivered ten outstanding matches in a row, reaffirming his high level.”
Balancing Experience and Youth
Pastorello acknowledged that age and Inter’s new focus on youth development could influence the club’s decision. “There’s also the matter of their ages and the club’s policy of investing in younger players,” he explained. “However, it’s also true that fans want to win championships and trophies, and for that, you need champions like Acerbi and De Vrij.”
The agent emphasized that there is no rush to finalize decisions: “There’s still time. I believe a decision will be made by the end of April.”
The Value of Acerbi and De Vrij
Both players have been integral to Inter’s defensive setup despite being in their 30s. Acerbi, who has battled injuries this season, has shown resilience and consistency when fit. De Vrij, on the other hand, has been a mainstay in the backline, delivering reliable performances and even contributing crucial moments like his recent goal against AC Milan.
While Inter’s ownership group Oaktree Capital is pushing for a younger squad profile, Pastorello underlined the importance of experienced players in achieving immediate success: “You can’t win titles with just young players; you need leaders who know how to handle pressure.”
