Esteban Cambiasso

Generosity, intelligence and self-sacrifice. “Cuchu”, a nickname given after an Argentinean TV star in his childhood which would then be adopted by Nerazzurri fans all over the world, left his mark thanks to a passion and love for Inter like few others. He seemed to do everything in our midfield: passing, assisting, scoring and certainly making life difficult for our opponents.

The brain and soul of our treble-winning side, he arrived at Inter in 2004, going on to lift 15 trophies over the course of his ten years in our colours, all while playing 430 games for the Club. He took Inter right to the top, integral in all of the team’s good play and a frequent name on the scoresheet with 51 goals, some of which were simply sublime, like his thunderous volley in the 2006 Coppa Italia final, and others of which were just so vitally important, like his goal in the first leg of the 2009/10 Champions League round of 16 to beat Petr Cech in net for Chelsea.

A constant presence, not just in front of goal but also in support of his teammates, bringing a balance to the team and fluidity to Inter’s play. Cambiasso left his mark in the hearts of every Nerazzurri fan, as well as the players with whom he shared the pitch, who always looked for our Argentinean as a point of reference. Never excessive, but always fundamental thanks to his footballing intelligence and ability to read the game in an instant.

His goal celebrations captured the pride with which he wore our colours, colours in which he suffered, fought and rejoiced, with his dedication to the team, to our fans and to the history of the Club a constant throughout. The pure delight on his face at the 2010 Champions League celebrations, with Giacinto Facchetti’s number 3 shirt on his back, remains one of the most memorable images of his time at Inter for all of the Club’s fans across the globe.