Happy birthday to Beppe Bergomi!

An inspiration, an icon, a true captain: for 20 years, Beppe Bergomi was a pillar in the Nerazzurri line-up; he was an ever-present as players, coaches and opponents came and went. A professional and reliable youngster became a man and a tireless leader in the Inter jersey.

Bergomi was just 16 years and 39 days old on 30 January 1980, the day Eugenio Bersellini decided to hand him his debut in a Coppa Italia clash against Juventus. He thus became the youngest player of all time to wear the Inter shirt. He went on to make 756 Nerazzurri appearances, a record only surpassed by Javier Zanetti. During his Nerazzurri adventure, Bergomi won a legendary Scudetto, the UEFA Cup three times, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.

An entire career spent at Inter, one which began at full-back before he moved inside to play in the 'Libero' role. A lifetime wearing only two colours, to which he felt an incredible sense of belonging. The Nerazzurri fans honoured him by voting for him to be inducted into the Inter Hall of Fame in 2020, but he was also admired outside of Italy, as demonstrated by the One Club Man Award he received from Athletic Club Bilbao recently.

Another prestigious recognition for someone who has always been a symbol of belonging and an example of dedication and sacrifice.

Today, Lo Zio turns 61: many happy returns from the entire Nerazzurri family.