Zanetti: "I'm proud of Inter's history"

MILAN - At the club’s Official Car Partner’s Volvo Studio in the centre of Milan, Inter Vice-President JavierZanetti was interviewed by Beppe Severgnini. 

His career with its greatest and toughest moments along with special anecdotes and pieces of trivia were all touched upon in the chat that lasted just over an hour.

"I grew up with football," said Zanetti to start. "The first present that I ever received was a ball. Inside of myself, I’ve always felt the passion for football even if I worked with my dad who was a bricklayer. Once, he asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up and I said that I wanted to be a footballer. He said: ‘Go, you’ll make it’. From that moment on, I had great motivation and my father played a key role. From then, I started to play in a team and I got to know Paula who was really young when we met, she was the daughter of the club President so we were going out in secret." 

"A person who changed my life? I’d say the two coaches I had at Banfield. They had lots of faith in me when I was young, they told me: ‘You have the character to play in Serie A’. They could have bought a more experienced player but they decided to keep me because they had faith in me." 

"The first time against Boca, I had an extraordinary match. It was one of those games where you get everything out of yourself. The match finished and Julio Cruz who would later come to Inter also played. After the match, I took the coach to go home with my father and my best friend. People recognised me and I was invited on TV for the first time. The next day, I saw all these cameras outside my house. That match was the showcase that opened many doors for me."

"The Inter directors had come to Argentina to buy Rambert. Moratti and his son then called to sign me as well. ‘Ok we’ll get Rambert but we want the number 4.’ For me, it was strange to move from Banfield to Inter and when the call came I couldn’t believe it. I spoke to Paula, this decision would change our lives. To leave Argentina was a challenge for both of us. I thought that it was my big chance, that I’d do what I always dreamed of. To move country wasn’t simple, not for my parents either. Without my parents, I would have struggled, they were very important to me. The best thing that happened is when I could say to them: ‘Relax, stop working.’ There’s nothing better for a son." 

"Me and Paula grew up together, we faced and overcame many obstacles together. She’s always been at my side. She’s a humble woman and this was a key value for me. To come home after a defeat and find a woman who makes you calm and relaxed was important. She was vital in all the key stages of my career. She gave me three wonderful children. The youngest could be a footballer? If that’s what he wants I’ll support him at any moment. All three of my children do the thing that makes them happy and this is the most important thing." 

"My first match against Vicenza was unforgettable. The 1998 UEFA Cup win was a magical night. Madrid? I’d never seen the Inter fans so happy. Two moments stick in my mind. During the warm-up we saw the full stands and we all thought ‘we can’t let these people down’. After the match during the celebrations, I saw the images of the Duomo packed with people like San Siro was a few hours later. To see the Interisti happy was the best thing. To win the Treble meant leaving our mark on an unforgettable achievement for all of us and it will always remain that way. The difficulties that we faced made us stronger to prepare for everything that came later. Even in the most difficult moments for the Interisti, I was more proud of being an Interista because I knew that our moment was on its way. Real Madrid looked at me but me and Paula weighed it up wondering whether to stay or go without having left a mark at Inter." 

"The best player that I played with? Ronaldo and Messi, both are phenomenal. Against? Giggs, Maldini and Kakà were hard players to mark. In training, Quaresma was devastating but he wasn’t able to show it all in matches but he since recovered well. A played we could have kept? Perhaps Simeone at that time had to leave but maybe we could have kept him." 

"Brozovic? He’s recovered like a great player after having some difficulties and it’s not easy to get back to the level he is at now. We’re happy that he can express himself, it’s benefitting the team." 

"The impression of Moratti? A father. He was the first to welcome me into his family because Inter is his family. He was with me in many different moments, I’ll always thank him for not thinking about the footballer but about the person first." 

"Our change started with Cuper and then we won with Mancini. Cuper did great work with us, we really fought hard in every match. I got on with everyone, I respected the decisions made by all. For me, the team has always been the most important thing."  

"Spalletti? He’s been able to create a united group with functional players. He, his staff and the guys deserved to make the Champions League. They’re doing an excellent job despite the tough moment that we went through." 

"The nicest guys? Taribo West and Maicon. Once, Taribo invited me, Zamorano and Cordoba to a mass. He then disappeared and we didn't hear from him. He then turned up one day at Pinetina with his tunic and we asked him where he had been. ‘I got married,’ he replied. ‘But we’ve played four games in the meantime’ we replied. ‘Brother, in my country you take a month of holiday when you get married.’

"Inter vs. Juventus? We played a great game against a great team. Unfortunately, again there were individual episodes which hurt us. Football moves on, we can’t do anything. It’s pointless to get hung up on it if everything moves on." 

What did you think when you retired? "I thought that a really important part of my life came to an end, I gave everything. Now, another equally important stage has started where I’m looking to learn how to do a new role. Even at this time, I’m looking to fly the Inter values flag high."