Former Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder stated that the current Inter squad facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final this Saturday is significantly stronger than the team that lost to Manchester City in the 2023 Istanbul final.
Sneijder, a vital member of Inter`s 2010 treble-winning side under Jose Mourinho, explained the team`s progress since their previous Champions League final appearance. “This final is different,” he cautioned, referring to the upcoming match.
Inter will be aiming for their fourth European Cup/Champions League trophy, while PSG are still seeking their first.
Sneijder on PSG-Inter: `I was in Istanbul two years ago, but this final is different`
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sneijder remarked, “I was there in Istanbul two years ago, and this final feels different.”
Inter were seen as the underdogs in the 2023 final, ultimately losing 1-0 to Manchester City due to a second-half goal from Rodri.
Although Inter created chances against City, the upcoming 2025 final is anticipated to be a closer contest, with no obvious favourite.
Sneijder elaborated in his interview: “It`s not just that there isn`t a clear favourite, or that PSG seems less dominant than City were. It`s fundamentally because Inter themselves are not the same team as two years ago.”
“They possess greater stature, strength, and self-belief,” he added. “They`ve come a long way and developed significant defensive maturity.”
“Even setbacks, such as the defeat two years ago, have contributed to their overall completeness as a team.”
Sneijder also believes that narrowly missing out on the Serie A title to Napoli in the final matchday will further motivate coach Simone Inzaghi and his players.
“Furthermore, I`m convinced the team will be eager to respond immediately after the disappointment of losing the Scudetto. It was, and remains, a significant regret, as they were so close to winning it.”
“However, don`t ask me for predictions – those who make them are often wrong!” he cautioned. “What I truly have faith in is this squad and Simone Inzaghi. Let`s hope this Saturday`s match is one we remember fondly for years to come.”
