Inter Milan Vice President Hails Relationship With Ex Nerazzurri Owner On Landmark Day: “Love At First Sight” | OneFootball

Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti expressed his affection for ex-club chairman Massimo Moratti on today’s special occasion.

During an extensive interview with FCInterNews, Zanetti admitted it was a ‘love at first sight.

Javier Zanetti joined Inter from Banfield in 1995 and spent the rest of his playing career at Giuseppe Meazza.

Indeed, the legendary Nerazzurri captain retired as a club icon in 2014 after winning 16 major titles with the Italian giants.

Furthermore, he captained Jose Mourinho’s side to a remarkable treble in 2010.

However, he remembers joining Inter as an unknown entity.

“I was an unknown player, I had only been playing at a high level in Argentina for three years,” Zanetti admitted.

“When I arrived in Milan, I came with Sebastián Rambert, who was the top scorer at the time.

“Even the journalists didn’t recognize me.

“They walked past me before the presentation thinking I was just another South American reporter.”

Inter Milan Vice-President Javier Zanetti Explains His Relationship With Massimo Moratti

Massimo Moratti brought Zanetti to Inter despite knowing little about his qualities.

“He was warm, passionate, and immediately affectionate,” Zanetti maintained.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: President of FC Inter Milan Massimo Moratti attends the Serie A match between FC Internazionale Milano and AS Livorno Calcio at San Siro Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

“For a kid like me- just 22 years old – that family-like atmosphere was crucial.

“He made me understand what Inter was all about, and I’ve never forgotten that.

“What does he represent for me today? So much – almost everything.

“He believed in a kid who hadn’t accomplished anything yet and gave me an incredible life, not just professionally.

“He was always there for me and my family, ready to help or give advice.

“We talk about everything, not just football. I consider him like a father, and I truly mean that.”

Meanwhile, Zanetti admitted how passionate Moratti was about Inter.

“Have I ever seen him angry? Oh yes – after Champions League eliminations against Liverpool and Manchester United.

“And during derby matches… those were games we could not afford to lose. The president took them very personally.”

Moreover, Zanetti shared his deep admiration for Giacinto Facchetti.

“I miss his stories about La Grande Inter, about what the Nerazzurri shirt meant, and how we should always carry ourselves.

“It was a true school of life at Appiano Gentile.”

Finally, he praised Brazilian Ronaldo.