Córdoba, one of the most decorated defenders in Inter Milan's history with 455 appearances and 18 goals for the club, as well as a Champions League, five Serie A titles and four Coppa Italia trophies, spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport as part of the celebrations surrounding the club's 21st Scudetto.
He drew a sharp distinction between Chivu's approach and that of the man under whom both of them won the 2010 Treble.
"He applies the language of football. He doesn't want to get into any kind of argument with anyone."
The contrast with José Mourinho — who famously weaponised public confrontation as part of his managerial identity — was direct but respectful. Córdoba framed it as two valid but entirely different approaches rather than a hierarchy.
"He is not a coincidence that he has won. He has always been able to show us a simple football. He also has this talent."
He was also emphatic in pushing back against any narrative that suggested the squad had been close to fracturing during the difficult moments of the season, particularly around the Club World Cup.
"I don't think the doubts ever hovered around the squad. I saw them all very sure of themselves. The doubts only came from the outside."
Chivu won the Treble under Mourinho in 2010, meaning he shares that experience with Córdoba, and the Colombian is clearly proud of seeing his former teammate succeed in management with the same level of institutional ambition.
Córdoba serves as an ambassador and legend figure within the club's official structure, attending matches and representing Inter in public settings. His words carry weight within the Nerazzurri's culture as a man who knows better than most what it means to win at that club.