Cristian Chivu

Cristian Eugen Chivu (born October 26, 1980 in Reşiţa) is a Romanian footballer. Cristian Chivu is the captain of the Romania national football team and currently plays for F.C. Internazionale Milano of the Italian Serie A.

On 25 March, 2008 Cristian Chivu was decorated by the president of Romania, Traian Băsescu, for the results on UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group G to UEFA Euro 2008 with Medalia "Meritul Sportiv" — (The Medal "The Sportive Merit") class III.

Early career

Chivu's first professional club was FCM Reşiţa. After moving to FC Universitatea Craiova, Cristian Chivu reputation began to rise and Cristian Chivu performances sparked interest from some larger clubs outside of Romania. Netherlands club Ajax Amsterdam was particularly impressed with Chivu and signed Cristian Chivu in 1999.

At Ajax Cristian Chivu developed a reputation as a reliable fullback. Then-manager Ronald Koeman appointed Cristian Chivu as captain of the club. With Chivu as captain, Ajax dominated the Dutch Eredivisie with an exciting young squad. Playing alongside Chivu were future stars such as Rafael van der Vaart, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Maxwell Cabelino Andrade. Chivu played a pivotal role for Ajax in their UEFA Champions League run in the UEFA Champions League 2002-03, when they came to within a minute of the semi-finals.

AS Roma

In 2003, A.S. Roma expressed their interest in signing Chivu. At the time, Roma had an enormous debt and there were questions raised over Roma's ability to pay any proposed fees. Seeking to silence the increasing doubt over their financial situation, Roma sought a bank guarantee, which was subsequently denied. However, after much speculation Roma finally completed the purchase of Chivu, ending the long and protracted saga. The fee was reported to be €18 million.

FC Internazionale Milano

After a four-yeal spell which yielded a Coppa Italia, Chivu left A.S. Roma and signed a 5-year contract with F.C. Internazionale Milano on July 27 2007. The transfer fee was €16 million. As part of the deal, defender Marco Andreolli moved to A.S. Roma in a co-ownership deal.

Cristian Chivu has enjoyed a successful spell with Internazionale, winning two consecutive Serie A championships as of 2009.

International career

In 1999, Chivu was chosen to represent the Romania national under-21 football team and quickly made the step up to play for the full side, later that year. Chivu has played for Romania national football team more than 50 times, and is currently the captain of the national team. Cristian Chivu played for Romania in 2000 European Football Championship and Euro 2008. During the tournament, Cristian Chivu delivered a decent performance, keeping previous FIFA World Cup champions Italy national football team and runners-up France national football team at bay, despite being played out of position (as a holding midfielder).

International goals

Personal life

Chivu can speak Italian language, Dutch language and English language as well as Cristian Chivu native Romanian language.
Cristian Chivu is currently married to Adelina Elisei. According to Calcio Italia magazine, Chivu has been involved in opening football schools around Romania for the past few years, and Cristian Chivu said "I hope that Cristian Chivu is proud when Cristian Chivu looks down on me" in reference to Cristian Chivu late father who was a youth coach.

On February 12, 2009, Cristian Chivu wife Adelina gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Natalia.

Club Playing Honours

AFC Ajax
- Eredivisie: Eredivisie 2001-02
- KNVB Cup: KNVB Cup 2001–02
- Johan Cruijff-schaal: 2002
AS Roma
- Coppa Italia: Coppa Italia 2006-07
Internazionale Milano F.C.:
- Serie A: Serie A 2007-08, Serie A 2008-09

Individual Playing Honours

- Dutch Footballer of the Year: 2002
- Romanian Footballer of the Year: 2000, 2002
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2002
- Marco van Basten Trofee: 1999-2000

Club statistics