Javier Zanetti – The loyal knight

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Javier Zanetti of FC Internazionale Milano in action during the UEFA Europa League group H match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Rubin Kazan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Milan, Italy.

The unsung hero of Inter Milan, Javier Zanetti is unquestionably one of the most versatile defenders of the current era. He is extremely versatile because he is capable of playing anywhere in defence and sometimes even operates as a defensive midfielder. Ever since the arrival of Maicon (who has moved to Manchester City) in 2006, he has been playing the role of a central midfielder. Currently he holds the most number of caps for Argentina and has even played in two World Cups in 1998 and 2002. He has been playing for Inter since 1995.

Though he has received offers from numerous clubs he chose to stay at the Nerazzurri and plans to retire there. On 11 May 2011 he played his 1000^th match in an Inter jersey, breaking the all-time Serie A record. He has played under 17 managers (another record) and has won the Serie A five times at Inter and is currently the only non-Italian captain in Serie A. He was handed the captain’s armband in 1999 and has been captain ever since. He is a natural leader who helps in the overall game of the team and occasionally chips in with a goal.

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Javier Zanetti of FC Internazionale Milano in action during the Serie A match between Torino FC and FC Internazionale Milano at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on September 16, 2012 in Turin, Italy.

He is notorious for his quick bursts of speed, resilience and has the capacity to outrun opposing defenders when joining the attack as a full back. Even at the age of 38 he is as committed and dedicated as a 16 year old and has not lost the love for the game. He had been left out of the past two World Cups even though Argentina haven’t produced a quality right-back since Zanetti. Many journalists say he was left out of the 2006 World Cup because Jose Pekerman, the manager at that time, considered him an unlucky charm.

Why? Because Zanetti made his national debut in 1995 and Argentina have never won a major title ever since. Considered as an unlucky omen, in my opinion he was rather the missing piece in the jigsaw. He was twice removed from the national team squad but fought his way back, though the sun might be finally setting on his international career after being dropped for games against Venezuela and Nigeria.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – MARCH 26: Juan Agudelo #9 of the United States slides into Javier Zanetti #8 of Argentina during the second half of a friendly match at New Meadowlands Stadium on March 26, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

It was the first team to open the doors of European football. I was very young when I came here and I think not many teams could have had so much faith and patience with a boy in his early 20s from the very first day like Inter did with me. I will always be grateful for that. For some reason I have always felt at home here at Inter and this is why I have never thought of leaving.

Zanetti on Inter Milan.

He is known to be extremely disciplined on the pitch, having received only three red cards in his entire career. On 22^nd May 2010, he won his 700^th cap as an Inter player and the night was profoundly memorable as it was the day they won the UEFA Champions League and a historic treble. He is a pain in the neck for opposition players due to his constant nagging and determined resolve.

The pictures of him crying after winning the Champions League show how meticulous he is. His traits are praised by many on and off the pitch and he is known to be very soft spoken.

Zanetti has truly been the unsung yet loyal player for Inter and though he is on the brink of retirement, he will always be remembered as the gritty and determined defender who was never ready to give up.