Legendary former Inter captain and current club vice president Javier Zanetti has reminisced about his time at Inter as part of Gazzetta dello Sport’s ‘Festival dello Sport’ conference ‘Argentino Live’.

“My first memory is the presentation at the Martini Terrace. I arrived inside a dream. I was a stranger to many, a bet,” he is quoted as saying by Italian news outlet FCInterNews.it.

“Coming to Inter was a great opportunity. Bergomi, Facchetti, Angelillo, Mazzola were waiting for me. It was the first approach to this great family, the first step that meant for me a second life in Italy linked to a family like Inter.”

Zanetti then went on to discuss how football has changed since he first rocked up at Inter compared to the present day.

“How has football changed since I arrived until now? A lot has. My first training session, and Bergomi always says this, I didn’t give the ball to anyone. I learned a lot tactically.

“We Argentines carry our essence and being in Italy as a young man was an important training ground, both on and off the pitch for me.

“In recent years we have seen that training has also changed, starting with pre-season. There are more specific jobs for the individuals, I remember many long runs. Now it is more innovative, there are other platforms that allow it and fewer people on the staff.”

He was then asked whether he sees former teammate Diego Milito in current Inter and Argentine national team forward Lautaro Martinez and he sang the praises of the highly rated 23-year-old.

“Diego was one of the strongest.  Lautaro has adapted immediately to Italian football and is showing what he can do. He can still improve and is in a moment where he is the present and future of Inter and Argentina.

“He grew up behind Diego at Racing Club and for him it was important, Diego advised him well. I see him daily and he behaves like a professional, he wants to amaze. I wish for him to have a great career because despite his young age he is already very ready.”

Zanetti spent some 19 years on Inter’s books between 1995 and 2014 and he is the current Inter record holder for total appearances made for the club.

Zanetti made no less than 858 appearances across all competitions for the club during his unforgettable spell. He scored 21 goals, provided 16 assists for his teammates and 16 trophies, including five Serie A titles and one Champions League.