Session: Football and Tourism
Who is Javier Zanetti?
Javier Adelmar Zanetti is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as a full back or midfielder. He started his career in Argentina, first with Talleres, and then Banfield. From 1995 to 2014 he played for Italian club Inter Milan, and served as captain from 2001.
During his 19-year playing career at Inter, Zanetti has trained 17 different managers. Some of them are Roy Hodgson, Marcelo Lippi, Hektor Cuper, Rafael Benitez, José Mourinho, and Roberto Mancini, all of whom have made Zanetti a mainstay in the back sector of Inter.
Zanetti’s best season with Inter was arguably when he was 36 in 2009/10 when it was under Jose Mourinho’s care, Zanetti led his teammates to win three titles at once, Serie A, Copa Italia, and the most memorable Champions league trophy. In that season, Zanetti made 55 appearances.
This humble and modest figure is considered by some to be the best player who has ever defended Inter. He was also highly respected as a captain who set an example both on and off the field.
In the Argentine national team, Zanetti also has a special record despite his achievements with the national team through full trials. The number of caps that are 143 with a score of 5 goals proves his dedication to his country. The incision also placed himself in second place in the list of players who most often appear to strengthen the national team behind Javier Mascherano.
