Stefan de Vrij has no doubts about his future. The 33-year-old central defender is eager to stay at Internazionale. He knows very well what a great club Inter is and how special it is to play in a packed San Siro. Virgil van Dijk and Jurriën Timber can confirm that.
Stefan de Vrij’s future at Internazionale is approaching a crucial moment, with his contract set to expire this summer.
Yet, for the experienced Dutch defender, there is no hesitation or uncertainty about what he wants. After spending seven seasons in Milan, de Vrij is determined to extend his stay and continue wearing the famous black and blue shirt of Inter. In fact, for De Vrij, the thought of leaving doesn’t even cross his mind.
It’s a mindset shaped not only by his loyalty to the club but also by the perspective that comes with age and experience. "As you get older, you start to appreciate what you have," De Vrij admitted in a recent interview. "That restless feeling, that urge to constantly move and chase something new it fades away over time. I feel at home at Inter, and I’ve experienced so much here, from the global pandemic to the legal battle with my former agents at SEG. These are not just football memories, they’re life experiences that have shaped me as a person."
Since arriving at Inter from Lazio in 2018, De Vrij has established himself as a key figure in the heart of Inter’s defense. Initially signed on a free transfer, his arrival was seen as a smart piece of business, but few could have predicted just how important he would become for the Nerazzurri. Under multiple managers, from Luciano Spalletti to Antonio Conte, Simone Inzaghi and now Scott Parker, De Vrij has remained a constant presence. His composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and ability to marshal a backline have made him indispensable.
Despite his age, De Vrij is not thinking about slowing down. In fact, his hunger for success remains as strong as ever. "People sometimes ask me what’s next," he said. "Do I want to go to a new country? Experience a different culture? One more big adventure before I retire? But the truth is, I’m already living my dream. I play for Internazionale. Over the past four years, we’ve won seven trophies. Every two weeks, I step onto the pitch at San Siro, one of the most iconic stadiums in world football, and it still gives me goosebumps."
That emotional connection to San Siro is something De Vrij believes sets Inter apart. The stadium, with its towering stands and historic atmosphere, has left a lasting impression not just on him, but on many of his Dutch teammates. "Even the guys from the national team who have played at San Siro say the same thing," De Vrij explained. "Virgil van Dijk, Jurriën Timber they’ve all said: ‘Wow, what a stadium this is.’ It’s something special, and I’m lucky enough to call it home."
That sense of belonging is why De Vrij has no appetite for a transfer or a late-career adventure in another league. While some players view their mid-thirties as a time to explore new horizons, for De Vrij, it’s a period to consolidate, to cherish what he already has, and to keep contributing to the club he loves. "I feel incredibly appreciated at Inter," he said. "That’s not something you find everywhere. Should I really give that up just to try something different? I don’t think so. You have to value what you have, not always chase what you don’t."
Inter also holds a crucial option to extend De Vrij’s contract by an additional year a clause the player hopes the club will trigger. "If they want me to stay, I’ll stay without hesitation. I still feel important here, and Inter feels like family. I love the passion of the fans, the energy in the city, the daily grind at Appiano Gentile. This is my home now. And let’s be honest, 33 isn’t that old, especially not in Serie A, where experience still counts for a lot."
The numbers back up De Vrij’s belief in his continued value. This season, he has featured regularly despite increased competition in the squad. His reading of the game, positional awareness and leadership have been crucial in tight matches, particularly in games where Inter needed to dig deep to hold onto narrow leads. While his pace may not be what it was in his early twenties, his football brain compensates, allowing him to anticipate danger before it materializes.
Inter fans, known for their passionate support but also their brutally high expectations, have grown to respect De Vrij not just for his performances but for his professionalism and dedication. He’s not the flashiest player, nor the loudest voice in the dressing room, but his quiet consistency and reliability have earned him a special place in the hearts of the Nerazzurri faithful. In many ways, he embodies the spirit of Inter hard-working, resilient, and always putting the team above personal glory.
As the summer approaches, Inter’s directors face several key decisions about the squad’s future, but when it comes to De Vrij, the answer seems clear. In a league where experienced defenders are often prized assets, and in a club where continuity and leadership matter, keeping De Vrij feels like a logical and emotionally satisfying move.
And for De Vrij himself, there is no internal debate. His heart belongs to Inter, and his ambition remains clear to keep competing for trophies, to keep walking out at San Siro, and to keep writing his story in black and blue.
