Chivu Hasn't Given Up Cigarettes Even at the Title Party. The Image Coach Would Have Preferred Not to See on Inter's Official Instagram Account

Cristian Chivu, the celebrated coach of Inter Milan, is currently basking in the admiration of both his native Romania and his adopted Italy. Following Inter's triumphant season, the Romanian tactician's direct and likable demeanor has won over the Italian peninsula, solidifying his status as a hero in Serie A.

Inter Milan is capitalizing on Chivu's popularity, a stark contrast to the initial skepticism he faced last summer. The club's official Instagram account featured a post with the caption "Our Chivu," showcasing various moments from the team's title celebration. However, one particular photograph, taken inside the team bus, inadvertently revealed a personal habit: Chivu was pictured holding a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, a detail that has drawn attention.

Chivu has never been shy about his long-standing relationship with smoking, a habit he picked up in his youth. He has previously spoken about his struggles with the vice, even admitting to smoking during halftime breaks in matches. In an interview, he recounted how he started smoking around age 18, initially in Amsterdam, and how he used to hide his habit from respected figures like Gică Hagi, whom he holds in extremely high regard. This respect was so profound that Chivu would avoid smoking in Hagi's presence, even going to the extent of using the bathroom to smoke, rather than do so in front of his former national teammate.

This incident, while highlighting a personal vice, does not diminish the overwhelming positive sentiment surrounding Chivu's coaching success. It serves as a reminder of the human element behind the celebrated figure, a detail that adds a layer of relatability to the coach who has achieved so much with Inter Milan. The Romanian media, in particular, celebrates his achievements, viewing his success as a point of national pride.

“

I started smoking young, at 18. No, I started at Ajax. I got a bit worse in Craiova. When I left for Amsterdam, I bought a carton. I don't know why, because I didn't smoke. For 6 months I stayed in the hotel and smoked. I didn't smoke in front of Hagi and Popescu. I wouldn't smoke in front of Hagi even now, although he knows I smoke. I smoke with Popescu, I don't hide it from him anymore. But in front of Hagi I can't. I would have done the same in front of my father. I appreciate Gică very much. Gică, for me, is wow. The passion he has is wow. I have great respect. I didn't go to the bathroom when I shared a room with him, out of respect for him. It was respect taken to the extreme. With Gică as a roommate, I didn't speak unless asked. I was ashamed. He had the last massage before bed. The masseur came last to Gică. He would fall asleep while they were massaging him. That's when I would quickly go to the bathroom.