Wesley Sneijder at the Trento Festival dello Sport
Wesley Sneijder drew a packed house at the Teatro Sociale for the closing event of the Festival dello Sport in Trento, where he reflected on his career highlights and the historic 2010 Treble with Inter Milan. The Dutch midfielder, who earned the nickname “Sniper” for his precision on long-range shots and set pieces, told the audience that looking back on his achievements still gives him shivers. The event was moderated by Filippo Conticello of La Gazzetta dello Sport, framing the former player as a football genius who traversed major European clubs from Ajax to Real Madrid before arriving at Inter.
Jose Mourinho and the Invincibility of the 2010 Inter Milan Squad
Recalling the 2010 campaign when Inter became the only Italian side to claim the Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Champions League in a single season, Sneijder revealed that manager José Mourinho personally convinced him to join the club. Mourinho told Sneijder he was the missing link required to win together, a prediction validated when Inter defeated Milan 4-0 shortly after his arrival. Sneijder described the dressing room as a group of madmen who earned freedom through victory, contrasting his teammates’ habits with Javier Zanetti. Goran Pandev initially thought winning was impossible upon arriving in January because players like Thiago Motta ate carbonara before matches, illustrating a relaxed atmosphere that ultimately delivered silverware.
Cristian Chivu and the Transition to the Inter Milan Bench
Sneijder also addressed the managerial career of his former roommate and teammate Cristian Chivu, who took over the Inter setup during a difficult transition period following a lost Champions League final. Sneijder recounted that he spoke directly with Chivu after a rocky start, advising him to alter his approach and imprint his own winning mentality on the squad. The two formed a close bond during their playing days, with Chivu even helping Sneijder learn basic Romanian phrases while Mourinho distributed tactical homework on CDs. Sneijder praised Chivu’s on-field energy and expressed confidence that Chivu will achieve great things with the club.
The Bernabeu Triumph and the 2010 World Cup Final
Turning to international duty, Sneijder said that a save by Iker Casillas denied the Netherlands victory in the 2010 World Cup final, where he scored five goals. He dismissed concerns over missing out on the Ballon d’Or podium, emphasizing that securing a historic Treble with Inter mattered far more to him.
Family Hardships and Post-Football Reality TV
Following his retirement from professional football, Sneijder faced a severe personal crisis when both of his parents fell ill and passed away in quick succession, prompting him to spend three years dedicated to family care. This period led to weight gain and physical struggles, though he is now working to rebuild his life despite the permanent loss. Moving away from the world of football, Sneijder recently participated in the reality television show Football Island, which strands eleven former Dutch players on a food-free island where they play football.
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