Javier Zanetti reveals “I fell in love with Inter from the very first day” and will continue that love “until the last day of my life”.
The Argentine joined the Nerazzurri in 1995, going on to make 858 appearances and winning five Scudetti, four Coppe Italia, the UEFA Cup and the Champions League.
“I fell in love with Inter from the very first day,” the club’s Vice-President told Inter TV.
“Above all I understood the human side of this club.
Javier Zanetti reveals “I fell in love with Inter from the very first day” and will continue that love “until the last day of my life”.
The Argentine joined the Nerazzurri in 1995, going on to make 858 appearances and winning five Scudetti, four Coppe Italia, the UEFA Cup and the Champions League.
“I fell in love with Inter from the very first day,” the club’s Vice-President told Inter TV.
“Above all I understood the human side of this club.
“The UEFA Cup win was an unforgettable evening, my father was in the stands with my wife, Paula. It was my first European trophy and it was a magical night, in a stadium like that [the Parc des Princes].
“I was lucky enough to score an important goal, decisive for the victory. It will stay with me forever because it was the first.
“As for the Champions League final, there was huge emotion and huge tension to play a final which for a long time seemed like it wouldn’t come, knowing that for many of us it could be our last chance.
“Personally I was 37 and I knew it might not happen again. It filled me with pride and honour to wear the captain’s armband in such an important match.
“I remember when we went out for the warm-up and I saw the curva full of our fans. I think it stirred in each of us a sense of belonging and desire, to say: ‘this is ours, we can’t make our fans unhappy’.
“When I lifted the trophy, my expression speaks for me. It showed all my happiness for having won a trophy that will remain in the history of all of us.
“Being entered into the Inter Hall of Fame is really meaningful for me, and it’s really emotional to be in there alongside Giacinto Fachetti who, from the first day where he waited for me at my presentation, made it clear to me what it means to wear the Inter shirt.
“And with ‘The Uncle’ Beppe Bergomi, who gave me the armband. I can also think of [Armando] Picchi, [Walter] Samuel, [Ivan] Cordoba… so many defenders who made history with this club.
“I couldn't ask for more, it’s just another example of the affection of the people.
“Being an Interista means honour, pride in your shirt, and I can say that I fell in love with Inter not after victory, but in suffering.
“It’s a fantastic love story which will never end, because I’ll carry Inter in my heart until the last day of my life.”