Sneijder eyes European Cup repeat

Posted Monday, October 10, 2011 by ESPN

Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder is determined to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy again with the Italian outfit.

Sneijder fulfilled a boyhood dream when he won the competition with Inter back in 2010 and, after a frenzied summer of transfer speculation on his future at the San Siro, wants to relive that feeling again.

"When I saw Patrick Kluivert lift the Champions League with Ajax [in 1995], I said to myself, 'I want that too'," Sneijder told Dutch magazine ELF Voetbal.

"Thanks to Inter, I achieved that wish. I have managed all my objectives at club level and now want to win with Holland, but obviously I want to win it with Inter again.

"Winning trophies is something you never get accustomed to."

Inter endured a difficult start to the new season under manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who was sacked as a result. The appointment of former Roma coach Claduio Ranieri appears to have steadied the ship, although Inter are still in the bottom half of the Serie A table.

Sneijder, who is set to return to action following a groin problem, was frequently played out of position during Gasperini's spell at the club but has been returned to his normal role under Ranieri.

Ranieri sees Sneijder as Inter's version of Roma legend Francesco Totti - a player capable of turning a game with his skills.

A fully-fit Sneijder will almost certainly play a starring role for Inter when they resume their Champions League campaign at Lille on October 18th.

Inter currently sit second in Group B, a point behind leaders Trabzonspor, who have four points.