MILAN - Javier Zanetti took a moment out from the press conference introducing "ofootball", the online game he's an ambassador for, to answer some questions from the journalists in attendance: "My cast's come off, which is what was bothering me the most, and now I'll continue my comeback. I can't wait to get back playing and that's always been the case because football is my passion."
On Andrea Stramaccioni and the relationship he had with the former Inter coach, the captain explained: "Sadly football is a results-driven business. He paid for so many defeats, when you don't get results it becomes a problem. My relationship with him was always very open and honest, he came to the hospital after my operation and to the party celebrating the 10th anniversary of 'El Gaucho' (Zanetti's restaurant). Some people have made it out to be a problem, but I'm not interested in that. His sacking is a defeat for everyone, but we lost 16 matches and a team like Inter can't afford to do that. Is it right only the coach paid for it? No, the fitness coach paid for it too. In fact, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him, in a very difficult year he always worked and conducted himself well."
Zanetti also gave his first thoughts on Walter Mazzarri: "I don't know him personally but he's got great experience and I know about the work he's done at his other clubs, we hope to have a great season with him. He joins a big club like Inter and he'll have the same desire as us to show who we are. We need strength and belief to get back on track, Inter deserve to be back at the top of the table. Have I met him yet? No, I've spoken to him but not met him in person. Could he be the right man for Inter? He's got a lot of experience and, after the tough time we've been through, yes, he could be the right man to get us back on track."
"I dismiss that notion entirely," responded Zanetti to those asking how much weight the 'old guard' have when it comes to the club's decisions and transfer policy. "We speak about a lot of things with the president, I can give my opinion but I don't make any decisions. I want to clarify this because it's not true that us 'old guard' are in charge. We hear this often but first and foremost the so-called 'old guard' are professionals, good-mannered, respectful people who have always been there for the club, given everything and we'll continue to do so for this shirt."
"Me as a director? I'd like to one day be a good director but for the moment I'm still thinking about playing." There are also rumours that Lavezzi might be plying his trade for the Nerazzurri next season: "He likes Milan, he likes coming here to eat at 'Il Botinero' and 'El Gaucho'. I look forward to seeing him for a steak but I won't say anymore than that, else they'll start saying I bring my friends to Inter." Zanetti's mind is also on the fans: "First of all I'd like to thank them, they like us are waiting for us to bounce back. They've always supported us and they've understood our struggles, we'll get back to the top together."
