Football BaBe
- Chivu shares positive news on Calhanoglu’s condition
- Highlights the Turkish star’s eagerness to recover from CWC setback
- Player recently addressed tensions with Martinez
Calhanoglu’s Road to Redemption: Overcoming Injury and Team Drama
Amid swirling speculations about his future at Inter, Hakan Calhanoglu is set to make a strong comeback, showcasing his determination to reclaim his spot and contribute significantly to the team’s success in the upcoming season. This resurgence follows a turbulent period marked by physical setbacks and internal conflicts, but recent developments point to a brighter horizon for the talented midfielder.
Chivu’s Encouraging Update on Calhanoglu’s Recovery Journey
Inter’s manager, Cristian Chivu, has shared an uplifting report on Hakan Calhanoglu’s health status, quashing rumors of a potential departure this offseason. He affirmed that the playmaker has fully overcome the setback he encountered during preparations for the Club World Cup, which occurred shortly after his appearance in the Champions League showdown.
A Challenging Phase in Calhanoglu’s Inter Tenure
The recent months have represented a tough chapter for Calhanoglu during his time with Inter. Following a dramatic downfall in the Serie A championship pursuit and a defeat to crosstown foes AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semifinals, the Turkish talent faced an unfortunate injury during the heavy 5-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. Undeterred, he joined his colleagues for the trip to the US to participate in the Club World Cup, only for his involvement to be abruptly halted by a recurring issue in practice sessions.
Navigating Team Conflicts and Transfer Speculations
The unexpected 2-0 defeat against surprise package Fluminense in the last 16 added to Calhanoglu’s frustrations, especially when Inter skipper Lautaro Martinez publicly criticized the 31-year-old. This led to the ex-Milan standout issuing an extensive response via social platforms amid the escalating public dispute. Speculation about a move back to Turkey intensified, with clubs like Galatasaray and Fenerbahce showing interest, yet Calhanoglu has since resolved the discord with Martinez and reaffirmed his commitment to remaining at the San Siro.
Insights from Chivu on Calhanoglu’s Motivation
Chivu has expressed strong support for the 31-year-old’s ability to rebound from both the physical ailment and the offseason turmoil, stating to the media: “It’s great to see him fit again. He’s put in tremendous effort over the summer and is truly motivated to make an impact. The disappointment in the US for not supporting the squad weighed heavily on him. He pushed in sessions but reinjured himself. We all hoped he’d be ready for the next game. His dedication has paid off, and he looked sharp in our initial practice.”
Calhanoglu’s Pre-Season Progress and Inter’s Upcoming Challenges
Calhanoglu has rejoined the Inter team for training, which commenced on July 26. The squad is gearing up for their season opener against Torino in Serie A on August 25. With recent stats showing Inter’s improved squad depth-boasting a 75% win rate in pre-season friendlies this year-the midfielder’s return could bolster their midfield options, drawing from his impressive record of 13 goals and assists in the previous campaign despite the hurdles.
