Inter vice-President Javier Zanetti talks of his “respect and admiration” for Roma’s Francesco Totti.
Both men are symbols of their respective clubs, with Zanetti having made over 800 appearances for the Nerazzurri, and Er Pupone representing the Lupi on 755 occasions.
The veteran forward came off the bench to win the game for his side last night, and with doubts over his future in the capital, a former rival paid tribute to him.
“I have a great relationship with Totti,” Zanetti told Il Giorno.
Inter vice-President Javier Zanetti talks of his “respect and admiration” for Roma’s Francesco Totti.
Both men are symbols of their respective clubs, with Zanetti having made over 800 appearances for the Nerazzurri, and Er Pupone representing the Lupi on 755 occasions.
The veteran forward came off the bench to win the game for his side last night, and with doubts over his future in the capital, a former rival paid tribute to him.
“I have a great relationship with Totti,” Zanetti told Il Giorno.
“We faced each other for many years, and there’s admiration and respect. We’re talking about a great champion, who has made history with Roma – a symbol.
“Yesterday, to our disappointment, Roma won and he’s one of those players who can decide a game at any time.
“I hope that the story of him and the team of his heart can finish in the best way, as my club was exemplary with me and still is. The bond continues.
“Six months before the end of the season I decided to stop and I talked with the club, together we prepared a path to finish in the best way.
“I think the club is all that matters, it’s more important than players and Coaches. That’s why I hope Francesco’s career finishes in the best way and there’s common sense, so that his beautiful story ends as it should.”
Zanetti was then asked what it means to be a symbol of a club.
“Being vice-President is very important, these colours are in my heart and I try to make myself available and transmit what Inter means to me. I think [President Erick] Thohir is happy, because he offered me a renewal for life.
“I have three Italian children now, I’ve been Inter since the first day I walked into Pinetina. In certain moments you think about what it represents and what you did.
“People like [Milan legend Paolo] Maldini, [Alessandro] Del Piero [Juventus icon], Totti – and it’ll be this way for [Juventus’ Gigi] Buffon too – deserve a place at their club.
“Everyone thinks we get in the way, but actually it’s the opposite. We don’t want to steal space from anyone, just contribute to the growth of the club.
“I hope that’s what happens to Francesco too after 23 years at Roma, he deserves a happy ending.”
Between them, Zanetti, Maldini, Totti, Del Piero and Buffon have made 3,797 appearances for Inter, Milan, Roma and Juventus.