Inter Vice-President Javier Zanetti makes no effort to hide the fact that the Nerazzurri are hoping that they can go all the way in the Champions League.
Speaking to UEFA TV ahead of the team’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg match against Benfica this evening, via FCInterNews, Zanetti outlined the Nerazzurri’s ambition to win the whole competition, and also expressed his respect for Benfica as an opponent.
Inter still have a long way to go if they are to lift the Champions League this season.
The two-legged tie against Portuguese high-flyers Benfica starting with this evening’s match at the Estadio da Luz will already be a massive challenge for the Nerazzurri.
Then, if Inter can progress to the next round they will meet one of Serie A rivals AC Milan or Napoli.
If the Nerazzurri can make it to the final of the competition, they’ll know exactly what’s in store for them as one of Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Chelsea will be in store for them.
However, for his part Zanetti isn’t hiding the fact that Inter are starting to dream, after having already overcome the likes of Barcelona and Porto to get where they are now.
“We know that we’re up against a great side,” Zanetti said, “Benfica are doing very well in this competition, they’re always an adversary to be respected.”
“They have quality players like Otamendi [who is suspended this evening], a leader in defense who I know well because he’s Argentine.”
“They have a winning mentality, which they’re also showing in their league,” Zanetti noted of the Aguias, “this is certainly a tricky match for us.”
“For our part, we hope to go as far as possible, we know that it won’t be easy because the Champions League is a competition where every deal matters,” the Inter Vice-President noted.
“But we’ll try to do our best and go all the way,” he added.