He is the Inter player who has played the most derbies. It would be enough with this record, the latest of many, to describe Javier Zanetti’s importance in Inter’s history. In the days before Christmas the Inter captain played his 47th match against AC Milan. The first one he played in 1995, just a few months after he learned that he’d been sold by Banfield to Inter from the then coach of Argentina, Daniel Passarella, another former Inter player. It was a fax that changed his life. Eighteen years later, Zanetti is the leader of a team that is going through a rebuilding phase and has published a book, ‘Giocare da Uomo’, in which he talks about his life as a professional role model.
His football career has given him the opportunity to achieve several dreams he had since he was a child and meet people like Nelson Mandela, who passed away on December 5, and the last three Popes. Zanetti has not yet decided if he will continue the story as a player or if he’ll write the last page and start a new book, and with a question about his future Mattia Todisco from Ansa started the interview with the captain.
What will you do when you leave football as a player?
“I think I will become a director and not coach, because although I have a lot of experience, I would say that I have given enough during these twenty years.”
You came to Milan the same year Moratti bought the club. Will the fact that he’s no longer president influence your decision at the end of the season?
“Everyone knows my relationship with the president, but it won’t affect my decision. I want to finish the season in the best way and then meet with the club to see what is best to do. My desire is to continue to be a part of this great family.”
Have you ever spoken to Moratti about how he decided to buy you in 1995?
“He had a videotape and had been recommended Rambert and Ortega. After 5 minutes he called Inter’s directors who were in Argentina and told them to buy me. Luckily I played well in that game!”
How was your first meeting with Thohir?
“It was very ‘family-friendly’. He has very specific ideas, I hope we can do great things with him.”
Is it a realistic goal to reach the Champions League?
“Yes, because the league is balanced and there are many games left. In Naples, I saw very little difference between the two teams.”
Do you still think about the World Cup?
“If I would get a call I would be happy, but I have great respect for those who played in the qualifiers.”
You found out about the move to Inter after a match with the national team. What did Passarella, the former coach of the national team, say to you when he broke the news?
“I remember we were in South Africa for a friendly match. When I rested in the room Passarella asked me to come to his office to show me a fax with a message about my move from Banfield to Inter. I couldn’t believe it. By the way, on that same day I met Nelson Mandela.”
What memories do you have of the South African leader?
“We were very young, to meet such a person was a great moment. We greeted and handed over a medal.”
You recently got to meet Pope Francis as well.
“A great feeling, the Pope has a special ability to be very close to people. I was fortunate to meet with Pope Benedict XVI and before him John Paul II in 1996. He held a mass already at 07.00 just for us Argentines who play in Italy.”
What are your hobbies?
“Even though I have two restaurants, I’m not very good in the kitchen. When I’m home, I like being with my three children. I would be happy if any one of them were to become football players, but they will get to do what they want. I’ll be their biggest fan regardless.”
Source: fcinternews.it
