APPIANO GENTILE - Javier Zanetti gave the first TV interview of 2013 to Sky Sport Italia today. And as the skipper answered Matteo Barzaghi's questions, he was interrupted by Antonio Cassano yelling "Pupi, I will always love you!" which naturally brought smiles all round.
You can read what Zanetti had to say here on inter.it:
Capitan Zanetti, what are your hopes for 2013?
"I hope it will be a positive year for everyone at Inter. We're certainly aiming to have a great season and hopefully we can achieve something important come the end of the year."
Can we say that Zanetti will definitely keep playing for another year?
"That's what I plan to do. I want to end this season as best I can and then – if I feel the same way I do now – play for another year."
What does Andrea Stramaccioni need to do to lift his first trophy with the first team?
"It's still early to be talking about that because he's at the start of his career, but looking at what he's done so far I can say that he's on the right path. Hopefully we can help him achieve that first trophy by having an excellent campaign and winning something at the end of it – then the whole Inter family will be happy, not just the coach."
Is it possible to claw back nine points and catch Juventus?"It's a big gap but you never know in football. We have to keep believing it's possible all the way and hope that we're still in with a shout heading into the last month. We're going to give it everything we've got in all the competitions then we'll see where it gets us."
What type of forward was Tommaso Rocchi when you've played against him in the past?
"Difficult to mark, because he makes lots of penetrating runs and it's not easy to keep tabs on him. He's a great player."
Do Inter need another midfielder? There are lots of names doing the rounds, like Frank Lampard for example.
"Lots of top players have been linked with Inter. That's an area [midfield] where we've been penalised, mainly because of injury problems. But let's not forget that Gaby Mudingayi should be available again now and we're still waiting for Deki Stankovic to return. If the club and the coach feel it's a good idea to bring in another top player, it will further strengthen an already competitive team."
What do you think will happen with Sneijder?
"A lot depends on him and on what he wants to do. The rest of the group has dealt with the situation really well. In complete calmness he has to decide what he wants for his future. The cards have been laid on the table, Inter's position is clear, Sneijder is thinking about what is best for him and hopefully whatever solution is found will be good for him and for Inter."
Sneijder can go anywhere except AC Milan?"I don't know about that, that's for the transfer market to decide. We're just concentrating on the game we have on Sunday, which is very important for us.”
A team-mate who you think will surprise everyone in 2013?
"Hopefully the whole team can surprise people and do well from here on in."
There are a number of players like Francesco Totti and Totò Di Natale who just keep on doing well at the very highest level. Which of these players, from your generation let's say, have you been most surprised by?
"Both of those players are doing brilliantly. Long may the old guard continue! [Smiling]"
