Argentina legend Javier Zanetti gives away the secret to his playing longevity as he launches Inter Academy
Long-serving Argentine star, who led the Italian club to the treble in 2010, wants kids to learn more than just playing good football to reach the top
Passion and commitment. These are the two most important elements needed to stay on top of the game – for as long as possible. Just ask Inter Milan legend Javier Zanetti, the Argentine star who managed to stretch his incredible playing career into his forties.
Zanetti, who was in Hong Kong to launch the Inter Academy, enjoyed playing at the highest level before finally hanging up his boots a few months short of his 41st birthday with the club he had the most success with.
The former Inter captain, now vice president of the Italian club, is fifth on the list of players in history with the most career appearances – 1,114 official games.
“You need passion and commitment in your sport or else you will never survive that long,” said Zanetti at a press conference to promote the Inter Academy. “Of course you also have to give it your best shot and be responsible for your own behaviour both on and off the field before you can fully enjoy the game for such a long period of time.”
When Inter lifted the Champions League trophy with a 2–0 win over Bayern Munich, of Germany, in the 2010 final, Zanetti had made his 700th appearance for Inter, making him the first player to captain an Italian club to a treble – the Serie A, Italian Cup and Champions League – at 37 years and 71 days.