Javier Zanetti

“It wasn't my target to work as Argentina team manager.”

“Messi is an extraordinary player, but your squad is pivotal: at a World Cup, the 11 players on the pitch and everyone else in the group can all play an important role.”

“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.”

“When I was young, as a fan of Independiente, my idol was Enrique Bochini. He was a playmaker and a total legend at the club. He never played for another club in his career. Maradona was a fan of Bochini too. So when I think that I have only played for Inter in Italy, I feel a little like Bochini. Only with far fewer assists!”

“Throughout my career I have always done everything with passion.”

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

“The Champions League is more important than the Scudetto.”

“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.”

“I always seek to improve, but I also give a lot of importance to food and sleep too.”

“The important thing is to train well during the week so you perform well physically come matchday.”

“I'll never forget my time at Banfield. It is a club that gave me everything and gave me the opportunity to become a man and a player.”

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

“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.”

“Banfield are in my heart.”

“I couldn't have left Banfield in the ways I would have wanted, but the people here are always great.”

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

“I am a precise person in everything I do.”

“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 always believed that our public actions need to take account of our social responsibility.”

“To arrive in a city like Milan as a young man was a huge challenge.”