The Romanian head coach was speaking to Inter TV after the 2-0 victory over Parma at San Siro — a result that sealed the Scudetto with three games to spare and brought fireworks, celebrations and tears to a stadium that had not witnessed a home title clinching since 1989.
For Chivu, the occasion carried a very particular emotional weight. He saved Parma from relegation in his only previous senior management role, spending three months at the club in early 2025 before Inter called him back in the summer to replace the departed Simone Inzaghi. His first Scudetto as a manager arrived against the club that gave him his start.
He was measured and generous in equal measure when reflecting on what the title meant.
"The credit belongs to the club, the players and the fans. I only tried to do my best with the staff, giving the players what they needed. We put together work, empathy and humanity — fundamental elements for building a winning group."
On whether his arrival had provided a fresh impetus to a squad still carrying the weight of last season's Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Chivu was characteristically modest.
"I don't know if it was a breath of fresh air. I only know that as a coach I try not to repeat the mistakes I experienced in the past when I was a player."
He was clear about where he believed the real credit lay.
"I have been helped by an extraordinary staff, by the club, and above all by players who always showed their face — with pride and dignity."
Speaking to DAZN on the pitch after the final whistle, Chivu acknowledged the difficulty of what had been asked of the group and the resilience they had shown.
"I'm happy for these players and for these wonderful fans. There were people who tried to denigrate this team and this club. These players rolled up their sleeves and put in an important season — this is an important chapter in the history of the club."
He also reflected on the nine-month journey that delivered the title.
"We had an obligation to try and be competitive. A season is a marathon. You have to have continuity. We lost some games and overcame difficult moments, like the one against Bodø/Glimt, but we were always there."
Inter Milan face Lazio in the Coppa Italia final on 14 May, with a domestic double now within reach.