Hernán Crespo

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Crespo joined Inter Milan on 31 August 2002 as a replacement for the departed Ronaldo for a €26 million fee and Bernardo Corradi. He scored 7 goals in 18 Serie A appearances as Inter finished 2nd, along with 9 goals in 12 Champions League matches as the team reached the Semi Finals. He was allowed to leave at the end of the season to join Chelsea. Crespo later re-joined Inter on a two-year loan on 7 August 2006. On 2 April 2007, he scored his 200th career goal in Europe. On 13 May 2007, Crespo scored a hat-trick to help Inter defeat Lazio 4–3 and win the Scudetto. He was released from Chelsea on 3 July 2008 and signed by Inter on a one-year contract for free.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed over the San Siro, casting long shadows across the pristine grass. In the tunnel, Hernán adjusted his black and blue shirt, feeling the weight of the number nine emblazoned on his back. The roar from the Curva Nord vibrated through the concrete floor, a rhythmic chant that only grew louder as he stepped onto the pitch. A Derby against Milan awaited. He glanced at the net, ready to etch his name into history once again.

Reader's Guide

Crespo's time at Inter Milan spanned three spells: a first stint from 31 August 2002 to 2003, a second on loan from 7 August 2006 to 2008, and a third on a permanent deal from 3 July 2008 for one season. He scored 7 league goals in 18 appearances in his first season and contributed 9 Champions League goals in 12 matches. In his second spell, he scored a hat-trick against Lazio on 13 May 2007 in a 4–3 win that helped Inter win the Scudetto. Under José Mourinho in 2008–09, he made 13 Serie A appearances, including two starts, and was excluded from the Champions League squad.

Did You Know?

• Crespo scored 9 goals in 12 Champions League matches for Inter in the 2002–03 season.
• He scored his 200th career goal in Europe on 2 April 2007.
• Crespo's hat-trick on 13 May 2007 helped Inter defeat Lazio 4–3 and win the Scudetto.
• He was signed by Inter on 31 August 2002 for a €26 million fee plus Bernardo Corradi.