Internazionale's Treble-winning hero Pandev said the Nerazzurri are stronger than last season and should aim for the Champions League.

In an interview in Genoa, Pandev spoke about Mourinho and Chivu. He said: "I can't wait to hear what Mourinho will say at the press conference. I hope he doesn't make his signature jokes about Cristian. I'm curious."

Referring to the group chat of the triumphant squad on May 22, Pandev said: "It's quite calm for now. At least for now..."

When asked if he had contacted Chivu, Pandev said: "No, I don't want to disturb him. But I'm really happy for him." Speaking about Mourinho, he said: "We occasionally keep in touch, but he has changed his number now."

Recalling Internazionale, Mourinho, and the Bernabéu 16 years ago, Pandev said: "I lifted the trophy, but the celebration was delayed due to a doping test. That test took a long time, and the team was waiting for me on the plane on the runway."

Speaking about the most unforgettable moment of that Champions League final, Pandev said: "It was seeing Mourinho and Materazzi embracing and crying. Every time I see that scene again, I remember how fortunate we were."

Speaking about his first contact with Mourinho, Pandev said: "He called me when I was excluded from the squad at Lazio. He asked: 'Do you want to come and win with us?' Three days later, he started me against Chievo. I hadn't played for six months then. He has a kind of magic."

When asked if Mourinho could make Mbappé play as a wing-back, Pandev said: "Of course, like Eto'o. Eto'o would fight for him and run through fire."

Recalling the speech before the final, Pandev said: "José was never a man of many words. The meetings usually lasted only two or three minutes. He would pat us on the shoulder and shout a few things in Portuguese, like 'Let's go and win this damn game'."

When asked when the team realized they could win the Champions League, Pandev said: "It's easy to say in retrospect. I would say after beating Chelsea in the round of 16. As for the match at Camp Nou, what more can I say? We played with one man down for 80 minutes due to a controversial red card, José walked up to Guardiola and Ibrahimović, whispered something, and then came the sprinkler incident. That was magic."

Speaking about Chivu as a player, Pandev said: "He didn't even want to lose at cards. I didn't expect him to become a coach back then, but he is indeed very smart. He started from the youth academy and gradually gained experience."

As for why Mourinho is still "the Special One", Pandev said: "Because he speaks directly and doesn't hide anything. He was like that with Chivu too, once."

When asked if it was easy for him to score three goals in two matches against Real Madrid, Pandev said: "If only it were that easy! I scored two goals in the 2007 Lazio vs. Real Madrid match at the Stadio Olimpico, which ended 2-2, and I even swapped jerseys with Van Nistelrooy. Then I scored another goal in the second leg at the Bernabéu. I kept that jersey because I didn't think I would ever play there again."

Speaking about the secret of that Internazionale team, Pandev said: "Carbonara. Jokes aside, all things considered, I think unity is the most important thing. We got along very well and were friends with each other. Chivu was particularly strict about his diet: chicken breast, plain pasta boiled in water. I come from a well-fed environment like Parioli where everyone eats well, but I saw Motta still eating that kind of pasta before the match at the Internazionale training ground."

When asked who would be the decisive player, Pandev said: "Lautaro. If he's in good form, everyone else will follow."

When asked if Internazionale can win the Champions League, Pandev said: "They are stronger than last year and should strive for it."

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