Top 55 Javier Zanetti Quotes

Even though I started out at right-back, I actually enjoy the contrast of playing both at full-back and in midfield. Both require physical attributes and a lot of energy.

Benitez is a coach with clear ideas and lots of experience in football.

Injuries are part of the job.

I do not like to discuss a game with the other players right after the final whistle.

We Argentines do not realise what Leo represents for the whole world.

My story is like many other stories. I started very young. As the years went by, I only cared about playing football. I was never obsessed with money or being a professional though.

Throughout my career I have always done everything with passion.

I am enjoying everything football has given me, and I want to enjoy to the maximum every chance I am allowed.

Football has given me a lot and I have tried my best to give something back.

I’ve been lucky to be part of very good teams and to play with immense players.

Maldini was a key figure in world football. I have always had great admiration for him as a player and as a human being. I faced him in many derbies – he was tough but always very loyal.

I took after my father who was a bricklayer and used to build everything step by step, brick by brick.

Inter is my life.

My relationship with Moratti goes beyond the normal ties between a president and a captain. I was an unknown and he believed in me. It’s something that I will never forget. Indeed, I will always thank him for that.

Sportive fortunes get built day after day, week after week through a healthy lifestyle.

Messi is the best player in the world, the things he does with the ball are incredible. If someone knows how to stop him, they have to tell me.

Inter is my second home and put their trust in me when I was an unknown.

I will not end my career with Banfield. I will stay at Inter until the end, the Nerazzurri fans should remain tranquil.

When I was promoted to the main squad at Talleres de Remedios de Escalada, I felt my dream had become reality.

Banfield are in my heart.

Feeling my hair in place gives me confidence. It’s a question of image but also of character.

I never imagined that I would be at a club like Inter, with so much history and success and also as the captain. I can’t see myself as a coach, but maybe as a director to give back to the club.

Inter have given me everything.

My mother was a cleaner and my father a builder. I watched both of them make big sacrifices for my brother and I to study. This is where I get my work ethic from. This is also the source of my generosity and willingness to help.

I’ve had an incredible career.

I always see Argentina with great players.

It’s an honour for me to wear the Inter shirt. To have been involved in so many important moments that all of us and our fans will keep in our hearts and minds forever, I feel privileged.

I never settle.

Inter are one big family to me and the club is like a second home to me.

I arrived at Inter when I was very young and I had the chance to play with Giuseppe Bergomi, and I met Giacinto Facchetti too.

My team-mates at Inter mock me when we are training. ‘Stop running, let us win for a change,’ they joke. But as long as my body responds, I will keep playing.

I’m not surprised by Mazzarri’s ability, I knew him as an opponent.

Football is made up of episodes.

A lot of things, experiences I had, helped me to grow up and mature, both in terms of my football career and my private life too.

In every team there are those who are discontented.

It wasn’t my target to work as Argentina team manager.

The opponent I have most admired during my career is Paolo Maldini.

I’ve managed to play most games every season for many seasons. That gives you confidence and stability.

Rafael Benitez and Mourinho are coaches with different ideas, but both want to win.

If I had a lock of hair out of place then I would not feel OK.

My kids go to school in Italy and after my playing career is over I want to spend time with my family.

I was close to joining Barcelona and Real Madrid, but I am happy to have remained at Inter because I knew that sooner or later our moment to shine would arrive, and it did.

I have always taken pleasure from the affection I received from Banfield fans everytime I have returned here, but I will not close my career with them.

I can honestly say that there’s nothing more beautiful for a sportsperson that to play for his or her country, regardless of the tournament or the location.

To reach Bergomi at the top of appearances for Inter in Europe gives me pride.

My only desire was to defend and honour the Inter jersey in any country all over the world.

You have to accept the criticism but you also have to consider how much of what is said and written is actually true.

The guys who play in midfield and up front are the ones who decide games.

When I look back to my childhood, many concrete scenes come to my mind, good ones and bad ones.

We believe in a better world, an unglobalised world, enriched by the cultural differences and customs of all the people.

It’s always nice coming back to the national side.

I don’t mess around when it comes to fitness.

What can you say about Messi? A guy who has won five Ballon d’Ors, four Champions Leagues and has scored 97 goals in a year. There is no need to win a World Cup to certify that talent.

Football always gives you a chance to set the record straight. Things go full circle and end up the way they should be.

I’m a fan of Independiente, so I’d naturally like to wear their colours, and I also like Banfield, who gave me a lot as a young player. Either would be nice.