Chivu leaves Roma for Inter

FC Internazionale Milano have completed the signing of Romania captain Cristian Chivu after protracted negotiations with AS Roma.

Four-year deal
The 26-year-old centre-back has joined the Italian champions in exchange for a reported €13m transfer fee as well as Italy Under-21 defender Marco Andreolli. Chivu has signed a contract with the Nerazzurri until the summer of 2011.

'New experience'
"I am going to Inter – it is a life choice," he told a news conference in Rome. "I have had four marvellous years with Roma, where I have grown up as a player and as a man. Roma will always have a special place in my heart but I have decided to try a new experience."

Cup success
Chivu moved to Roma from AFC Ajax in 2003, costing €18m, and was an integral part of the Giallorossi side when fit. The former CSM Resita and FC Universitatea Craiova defender made 85 Serie A appearances for the club and won the Coppa Italia last season. He also featured eight times in the UEFA Champions League last term as Roma reached the quarter-finals. Chivu collected his 50th Romania cap in a UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Slovenia last month.

Andreolli switch
The 21-year-old Andreolli travels in the opposite direction as part of the deal, with Roma gaining half of his playing licence and acquiring the player on a four-year contract. The centre-half played four league games for Inter in 2006/07 and was ever-present for Italy at the UEFA European U21 Championship in the Netherlands in June. Both he and Chivu will get the chance to meet their old team-mates when Inter take on Roma in the Italian Super Cup on 19 August.