ROME – "Just call me Zoff, that always works..." That was how one of the legends of Italian, European and world football greeted Roberto Scarpini and Inter Channel's videocamera to talk about the man who joined him on 570 Serie A appearances in Inter's last match against Siena: Javier Zanetti.
inter.it offers you an exclusive preview of the interview with Dino Zoff that will be broadcast during this evening's special edition of Prima Serata.What does it feel like to see somebody making more appearances that yourself?
"It feels nice because I think Javier Zanetti is an extraordinary person in every respect. Physically he's extraordinary, to reach this number playing in the position he does - because it's fairly easy for a goalkeeper - where you have the clashes with other opponents, recovery time, etc. to factor in. I'm glad he's not stopping because I think football could do with more people like Zanetti. I don't mean at the same level because he's phenomenal, but in the way he behaves and acts on the pitch and in life. I've never heard him say a word out of place. So I really do hope he can keep going for a long time yet because he deserves everything."
Doesn't Zanetti seem a bit like a player from your day? You don't really get one-club men any more. Does he remind you a little of how football used to be?
"For sure, but he also does that with his behaviour on the pitch. I've never seen him do anything shameful or unsporting; he's just a true sportsman. He has the perfect qualities as a footballer and as a man, and he does seem like something from a bygone era because back then there were no crazy celebrations after a goal, none of the theatre you get on the pitch nowadays. I've never seen him protesting after a little foul. So yes, I'd say he is like a footballer from my day but he's still going so he's timeless. That sort of footballer is timeless and as I said I'm happy because when somebody is as deserving as he is then it's right that he should overtake me and the others, and I hope he keeps going for many years. So best of luck to him. Keep it up."
Zanetti was waiting for you in Appiano Gentile, but you have your tennis here in Rome...
"If I had been in the area, I would have gone along. If the chance comes up I'll be delighted to do so because he's someone I hold in really high regard."
Let's make a date of it: the day before Inter v Lazio, 13 May. If Zanetti doesn't miss a game, he'll be set to make his 800th competitive appearance with Inter.
"In that case I'll definitely drop by; if there's nothing riding on it in terms of the league, I will."
