It has been twenty three years since Javier Zanetti first began his relationship with Inter, a club he has sworn to love during both the good and the bad times. These feelings are mirrored by all those who witness the career of the Argentine they call Pupi.
Speaking at the Forum of Talents in Malpensa, and reported by Sky Sports, Zanetti recounts that fateful day in 2002 wherein Juventus stole the scudetto from right under the nose of the Nerazzurri.
“The most difficult moments are the ones which make you the strongest. The result that day was difficult for all of us, and will always be remembered in the history of Inter. We had Ronaldo, an absolute phenomenon and one of the strongest players in the history of the game, but it was not enough for us to win the championship. It made us stronger, however. I would not erase May 5th, because it put us on the path for the treble.”
The Inter Vice-President then moved on to discuss his former coach, Jose Mourinho.
“Mourinho was our leader. He brought great ability and was prepared for every event – especially the difficult moments throughout the season. He was a very open person who communicates his ideas well. As I was his captain, he spoke to me a lot and we maintain a good relationship to this day. His signing helped Inter make that final leap in quality we needed to be successful in Europe as, at the highest level, it is the details that make the difference.”
Finally, Zanetti discussed the role of the captain.
“The most important thing to respect your teammates and everyone at the club who is working towards the same goals as you. The captaincy filled me with honour and pride but my teammates respected me before I wore the armband. They respected who I was and the fact that I did not let the band change my way of being.” How should a captain help the side during difficult periods? “I think the captain should talk less but set an example for the group. During the dark times the captain must work to solve problems within the group, and lead the way for the rest of his teammates.”
