APPIANO GENTILE - In just a few moments' time on Inter Channel (Sky Italia, channel 232), a Prima Serata special dedicated to Javier Zanetti will go on air to celebrate the captain's 570th Serie A appearance with the Nerazzurri, which he clocked up in the last match against Siena. Having drawn level with Dino Zoff, the captain is now aiming for Gianluca Pagliuca (592, but with different clubs: Sampdoria, Inter, Bologna) while in first place Paolo Maldini (647) seems a long way away. Or so he seems at the moment...
With Edoardo Caldara and Roberto Scarpini, Pupi looked back at some of the most important stages in his incredible career: a special appointment not to be missed, starting any minute now only on Inter Channel.
"We're talking big numbers... Equalling Zoff, who was a footballing legend not only in Italy but in the whole world, is a reason to feel very proud. I thank him for his kind words. It feels incredible to be third in the list and close to my friend and former team-mate Pagliuca. It seemed impossible when we celebrated my 400th appearance with Inter, now it's nearly double that. This is my home and being the captain of Inter is an amazing experience. I remember when I took the captain's armband for the first time. And I remember when a few games later, with the club's agreement, I handed it to Ronaldo for a few games. He was going through a very, very hard time and he needed as much motivation as possible so he could get back to helping the team again. I was happy to give it to him. Then it came back to me and I've had it ever since. I've raised the most important trophies in Inter's recent history wearing that armband but I've also been through some tough times with it, when we weren't winning. But it was never a problem, even when the wins weren't coming I always enjoyed the responsibility. Difficulties help you to grow and improve. And I have grown and improved through the difficulties, here, together with Inter."
