According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sneijder stated in an interview at the Trento Sports Festival that Inter Milan are ready to challenge for the Champions League title.

"It would be wonderful to win another Champions League title this year, especially with the final being held in Madrid...", Sneijder said.

When asked about the final taking place at the Metropolitano stadium, Sneijder smiled and replied: "That doesn't matter. What matters is that the team is ready to fight for it. I think they are ready, they have everything: not just a Lautaro who is on fire, but also a top-class coach they needed. My friend Chivu found a special feeling, especially after winning the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia. Initially, affected by the difficult situation at the time, he seemed to not really have full control of his team. Over time, he has built a team with a very different style. Inter Milan today are stronger and more attractive because they play modern football."

When asked whether Inter Milan can compete with Europe's top clubs, Sneijder said: "In Italy, they are clearly the strongest team; in Europe, they are certainly one of the strongest. The team plays with joy, and they shouldn't lose that desire to play football with a smile. This team has had a winning mentality for years and has the opportunity to take that final step, but only time will tell us the true level of all the Champions League powerhouses."

Regarding Chivu's current role, Sneijder said: "I don't need to tell him; he should tell me, although now he's an important coach and doesn't reply to my messages anymore... Just joking. He seems well-suited to coach Inter Milan, and I'm amazed he can still sprint like a sprinter to celebrate with the players in front of the stands. He's gotten a bit older, but inside he's still the same person. Everything has to be learned step by step in practice. For example, Chivu needs to observe how such a long break has affected the players. Also, the team can't always rely on comebacks."

On whether Inter Milan's tendency to concede early goals could become a serious issue, Sneijder stated: "I don't think so. It's still early in the season, and there was a Club World Cup before this, which certainly affected their preparation, and some players still need to adapt. Once everything settles, Inter Milan certainly won't always concede two goals early. The fact is, they managed to come back every time, and they almost completed a comeback in Madrid. Only strong teams can pull off such comebacks."

Discussing Inter Milan's Serie A title rivals, Sneijder said: "Atalanta under Gasperini are very strong and dangerous, especially Malen, who always scores and attacks the space behind the defense at the right moment, something few can do. Como are also attracting a lot of attention lately, very interesting. But how can we not consider other teams like AC Milan, Juventus, and Napoli?"

Speaking about players who have impressed him more this season, Sneijder said: "Lautaro truly loves Inter Milan, somewhat like Zanetti. He has the unique fierce look of a striker; that look alone is half a goal. I'm also curious about the performances of those English players. Jones is a very skilled modern midfielder, and Spence looks more attacking on the wing compared to Dumfries. In midfield, everything revolves around Barella, and especially Calhanoglu. I really like him, and I like the way he shoots the ball."

On Calhanoglu's contract extension, Sneijder said: "I don't know the specific details and can't say too much, but for a player like him, I would always keep him. Age doesn't seem to be too big an issue for me. Overall, the club has done quite well integrating new and established players. Marcus Thuram has performed well, but Dimarco has truly been on fire. This applies not just to Inter Milan but also to the Italian national team. This young player has superior qualities, and he's pushing the national team forward with that. I love Italy, but I think the whole world wants to see the Italian team return to the highest level as soon as possible."

When asked whether Mourinho's return to Real Madrid means he has lost his magic, Sneijder said: "If he had truly lost his magic, would the most important club in the world invite him back again? Of course, Real Madrid is also the team under the most pressure. If Jose faced enormous pressure 15 years ago, the pressure now will only be doubled. But with a coach like that, you can always expect anything."

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