Curtis Jones reveals Cristian Chivu was key to £30m Liverpool exit after instant Inter impact

Curtis Jones has revealed that Cristian Chivu played a decisive role in convincing him to leave Liverpool for Inter Milan during the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old midfielder joined Inter late in the window for €35million (£30m) and has already started making his presence felt in Italy.

Jones made only his second appearance for the Nerazzurri against Napoli but helped inspire a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory after Inter had found themselves 2-0 down by the hour mark.

Jones was introduced from the bench as Chivu searched for a way back into the game.

Inter eventually produced a remarkable turnaround, scoring twice late on to complete the comeback, with Jones' technical quality and ability to operate around the final third contributing to their improved attacking performance.

His promising start comes after Chivu spent months pushing Inter to secure his signature.

The Inter manager had reportedly wanted Jones since January and maintained his interest throughout the year before Liverpool eventually agreed to sell their academy graduate for €35m.

Jones has now confirmed just how important those conversations with Chivu were to his decision.

"There's a reason I'm here: the calls we made, how the team plays, his ideas, and how he works every single day," Jones told DAZN.

"Little things he says, which may seem small but have a huge impact. Plus, he's experienced and has played too."

Jones appears particularly impressed by Chivu's relationship with his players.

Rather than maintaining distance from his squad, the former Inter defender has created an environment in which Jones already feels comfortable.

"He's one of us, and that, in my opinion, is crucial," Jones explained.

"He's passionate, he loves this game deeply, just like me. And that's why he's leading a team like this, and he's doing a great job."

Those comments help explain why Jones was prepared to end his long association with Liverpool.

Having developed through the Reds' academy and spent his entire senior career at Anfield, moving abroad represented a major change. Chivu's personal involvement appears to have given him the confidence that Inter was the right destination.

The early signs away from the pitch are encouraging too.

Jones says he has quickly developed a strong relationship with Inter's players and staff and is determined to demonstrate why the Italian giants invested heavily in him.

"I'm having a lot of fun; the staff and teammates are fantastic," he said.

"I get along well with everyone. I wanted to be part of this group and I want to prove it on the pitch whenever I get the chance."

That settled environment could be particularly important as Jones attempts to establish himself in Chivu's midfield.

Inter already possess an established tactical identity and a squad accustomed to competing for major honours, meaning Jones does not necessarily need to become a central figure immediately.

Instead, his first challenge will be turning encouraging substitute appearances into regular starts.

The next few weeks could be decisive for Jones. Chivu will need to rotate his midfield as Serie A and Champions League fixtures begin to arrive in quick succession, giving the former Liverpool player opportunities to earn more minutes.

A major European test against Real Madrid is also approaching. If Jones can build on his impact against Napoli and impress when given starts, he could quickly move from being a valuable squad addition to an important part of Chivu's first-choice Inter side.