Former Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder believes the Nerazzurri are in a much stronger position for the 2025 Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain compared to their narrow loss to Manchester City in the 2023 final.
Sneijder, who played a key role in Inter`s 2010 treble-winning season under Jose Mourinho, explained how the team has progressed since the defeat to City two years ago: “This final is different,” he warned.
Inter are seeking their fourth Champions League/European Cup title against PSG, who have never won UEFA`s most prestigious club trophy.
Sneijder: “Inter are different compared to two years ago”
“I was in Istanbul two years ago, but this final is different,” Sneijder told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Not just because there isn`t a clear favorite, nor because PSG looks less dominant than City were in 2023. It`s because Inter are different compared to two years ago.”
He continued: “They`re bigger, stronger and have more awareness. They`ve completed a long journey, they`ve gained defensive maturity. Even defeats, like the one two years ago, have served to make them more complete.”
Sneijder also believes that narrowly missing out on the Serie A title to Napoli this season will further motivate Simone Inzaghi`s squad.
“I`m convinced that the team will be motivated to react immediately after losing the Scudetto. It is and will be a great regret, because they were so close to winning it,” he said.
While refusing to make a prediction, Sneijder expressed confidence in the team and manager Inzaghi, stating: “What I really believe in is this team and Simone Inzaghi. We hope that we will remember this Saturday for a long time.”