Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti relishes the club’s upcoming challenges in the Champions League, urging the players to give their all.
In the first edition of the new and expanded format of the tournament, the group stage draw pitted the Nerazzurri against eight other clubs, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig.
Zanetti was representing the Italian champions at the event which took place in Monte Carlo on Thursday.
The legendary Inter captain expects Simone Inzaghi’s men to be competitive as they try to go far in the tournament.
“We are not scared, but curious about this new format. Inter will face some great teams,” said the Argentine in his interview with Sky Sport Italia via FcInterNews.
“We want to continue on the same positive path and be competitive in the Champions League. The conditions are there, it depends on us.”
Zanetti urges the Nerazzurri players to remain humble and try to be one of the main protagonists in the tournament.
“You can aspire to achieve great things when you work with humility like we are doing.
“The group has developed, the victories have helped and we are ready for this new Champions League. We want to be protagonists in Europe as well.”
Javier Zanetti Urges Inter Milan To Be Protagonists In The Champions League This Season
The Inter vice-president reserved special praise for Marcus Thuram who continues to evolve.
“Thuram has also proved this week that he is improving.
“He did well last season and is now enjoying a solid start to the new campaign. I hope he can find continuity. We are counting a lot on his contribution.”
Like club president Beppe Marotta, Zanetti also insisted the club won’t compromise between Serie A and the Champions League this term.
“We have never hidden. We are ready to face both competitions even if there will be difficulties, but the players can face both as protagonists. Also for the prestige of the shirt we wear”.
