Wesley Sneijder, the Dutch midfielder who played for Inter Milan between 2009 and 2013, remains one of the most decorated players in the club’s recent history. During his four-season tenure in Italy, he became a central figure in the team that achieved an unprecedented treble under manager José Mourinho.
Sneijder’s Impact at Inter Milan
Wesley Sneijder joined Inter Milan from Real Madrid in August 2009 for a reported fee of €15 million. According to official club records, he made 116 appearances for the Nerazzurri across all competitions, scoring 22 goals. His arrival was widely credited by analysts as the final piece of the puzzle for the 2009–2010 squad.
In his debut season, Sneijder was instrumental in Inter’s historic campaign, where the club secured the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League. His vision and passing accuracy were pivotal, particularly in the Champions League knockout stages, where he provided the assist for Diego Milito’s opening goal in the semi-final against Barcelona.
Why the 2010 Treble Remains Significant
The 2010 season marked the first time an Italian club had ever achieved the treble. While Inter had won domestic titles previously, the Champions League victory—secured with a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabéu—solidified the squad’s status in European football history.
Statistical analysis from the 2009–2010 season highlights Sneijder’s creative output; he provided 15 assists across all competitions, proving himself as one of the most effective playmakers in Europe at the time. His performance that year earned him a place in the FIFA World XI and a nomination for the Ballon d’Or, where he finished fourth.
Transition and Departure
Sneijder’s time at the San Siro eventually came to an end in January 2013. Following a period of contract negotiations and tactical shifts under then-manager Andrea Stramaccioni, the club reached an agreement to transfer the midfielder to the Turkish club Galatasaray.
According to statements released by Inter at the time, the move was mutually agreed upon to allow the player to seek regular playing time. Despite his departure, Sneijder maintains a strong relationship with the Inter fanbase, frequently returning to the stadium for commemorative events and legends matches.
Key Takeaways
- Tenure: Wesley Sneijder played for Inter Milan from 2009 to 2013.
- Major Achievement: He was a primary architect of the 2010 treble-winning team.
- Total Output: He recorded 116 appearances and 22 goals during his stint in Milan.
- Final Move: He left the club in January 2013 to join Galatasaray in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trophies did Sneijder win with Inter?
During his four seasons, Sneijder won the UEFA Champions League, the Serie A title, two Coppa Italia trophies, the Supercoppa Italiana, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Did Sneijder ever return to Serie A after 2013?
No, after leaving Inter, Sneijder played for Galatasaray, OGC Nice, and Al-Gharafa before announcing his retirement from professional football in 2019.