Javier Zanetti

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

I had chances to leave Inter, but this is my home. I stayed here even in times of difficulty and I was always sure that the winds of change would come through.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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.

In 2000, with Tardelli at the helm, I really thought about leaving Inter. I had an agreement with Real Madrid and everything was ready for me to move to Spain.

I always see Argentina with great players.

I live every training session to the fullest as if it were a final.

Recovery after hard work is key for any athlete.

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

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.

Messi is an ambassador of Argentina, and I am also proud of him as an Argentine.

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

The bond between Inter and I will last forever.

Inter have given me so much and I am very proud.

Before coming to this decision to leave the game I had thought about it a lot.

Milan are always a team to be respected.

I have always tried to be myself on the pitch and probably my biggest pleasure is when fans of other teams come to show me their respect.

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

I'm happy with my career.

I like my hair. I care about it.

I go to the hairdresser once a month and even if I don't use products, I always want to look tidy.

In every team there are those who are discontented.

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

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.

I always give my best in training as if it was a Champions League final.

It is always a great feeling to win.

I am proud to be an Inter player.

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

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.

Banfield are in my heart.

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

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

Strikers get periods like this, periods when you do everything right and others when you can't do anything properly.

There's no point in dwelling on the controversies created by others.

Football is made up of episodes.

Destro and Silvestre are two players worthy of wearing the Inter colours.

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

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

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

The Champions League is more important than the Scudetto.

I want to be useful for the team, depending on whatever position the coach chooses for me. That's the spirit I've always had.

When I look back to my infancy many images come to mind, beautiful and ugly.