Inter Milan Vice-President Javier Zanetti has given his thoughts following the passing of legendary former Nerazzurri midfielder Luis Suarez.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, Zanetti noted that the Spaniard was one of the first people to believe in him at Inter early on in his time at the club.

The passing of Spanish former Inter, Barcelona, and midfielder midfielder Suarez has left a big impact on the world of football.

Moreover, Suarez is not only a significant figure in the Nerazzurri’s history for what he did on the pitch. The Spaniard also maintained a connection with the club for the rest of his life.

This included recognizing what an important figure Zanetti would become.

It would be fair to say that now the Argentine’s importance to Inter is universally acknowledged. However, he can still remember how Suarez saw it in him early on, and is grateful to look back on that.

Javier Zanetti Remembers Inter Icon Luis Suarez

Zanetti reflected that “It’s a sad day for all Inter fans, and for everyone who loves football. He was an extraordinary player.”

“When Facchetti and Mazzola told me about the matches he played, it was wonderful to hear about them. He gave all Inter fans a special feeling.”

Zanetti noted that “I had a special relationship with him. He was the first to believe in me – he had come to Argentina to watch me, he was waiting for me at the presentation on the Terrazza Martini.”

“It’s a sad day, he was an extraordinary person.”

“He was elegant on and off the pitch, when it came to football he understood things very well and was very direct.”

Zanetti said of Suarez that “He leaves the memory of a strong connection with Inter. He was also our coach for a short time, and it was clear how he felt about the shirt.”