Zanetti: Inter will sign ‘some high-profile players’, I admire Luis Enrique | OneFootball

Javier Zanetti has expressed his admiration for PSG coach Luis Enrique ahead of their Champions League final clash with Inter, adding that the club’s summer transfer window could see some high-profile players arrive at San Siro.

The Nerazzurri vice-president reflected on his side’s thrilling Champions League run, which took an electrifying turn from the quarter-finals onward, with late goals and resilient performances helping Simone Inzaghi’s team reach a second final in three seasons after a dramatic second leg against Barcelona.

“Honestly, I thought it would be very difficult, especially with how the game was going,” Zanetti told ESPN in an interview.

“Inter looked exhausted. But football gives you these emotions, and this team always believes until the end.

epa12078784 FC Inter’s Davide Frattesi (R) celebrates scoring the 4-3 goal during the UEFA Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, in Milan, Italy, 06 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

“We’re a team everyone respects, especially for the consistency we’ve shown over the years – even after the final lost to Manchester City, where Inter had played really well. Finals are like that.

“The group stage went well, we lost just one game in the final minute against Bayer Leverkusen. Then came the quarter-finals against Bayern, a team with a long Champions League tradition.

“And then Barcelona, a side with a strong identity, many young players, and the ability to create something out of nothing – very difficult to face. But when Inter attack, they do it well. We scored seven goals against Barcelona.”

Zanetti: Luis Enrique has taken PSG where they are today

Turning his focus to the final, Zanetti admitted he has a very high regard for the coach at the helm of the team they will face.

“We’ve been with Inzaghi for four years now,” the vice president added.

“Inter are always contenders, and they’re respected. The important thing for us was to reach the final.

“I think PSG are a good team – I really admire Luis Enrique, he’s given them a clear identity, and that’s why they are where they are today.”

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 11: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, gestures during the Serie A match between Torino and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

As for Inter’s reported plan to reshape part of the squad with new additions, Zanetti confirmed that the club is willing to invest in ‘some high-profile players’.

“Right now we’re all still riding the wave of excitement after what happened, but soon the time will come to sit down and start planning for next season,” Zanetti said.

“And with all the experience we’ve gained from these matches – and the ones Inter will continue to play – there will definitely be some additions to the squad. And probably, some high-profile players will arrive too.”