MILAN - Inter captain Javier Zanetti was a guest on TV's 'La Domenica Sportiva', as the crew wished him a happy 40th birthday, a milestone he celebrated yesterday. Interviewed over the phone, the skipper answered questions about his return to action, the new squad, club matters and the transfer market. Here's what Pupi had to say:
"This birthday comes as I'm continuing my comeback from injury, it's been around three months and I feel good, my rehab is going as planned. We'll check things out soon and, if all is well, I'll start running again. I really hope to be involved this season, that's what I want: to get fit as quickly as possible to do my bit on the pitch again.
"We have a new coach and a number of players have joined this year, it's not easy to begin straight away with a tournament against top sides, some of which have been together for 2-3 years. We're already preparing for the Coppa Italia to get off on the right foot."
He was then asked about Thohir and the president's mindset: "I know negotiations are underway but, as I've said, I think Moratti is Inter, it's this family that's built the club, first his father, then him, and he should continue. I don't know what will happen with this deal, but I know for certain that the president will do what's best for Inter. Anyway I don't know Thohir, but the president knows what he's doing and he'll weigh up all eventualities for the club. I'll say it again, I can't imagine Inter without the Moratti family, his passion and his work to always take the club to the next level."
And his thoughts on the new Inter side under Walter Mazzarri: "As I said before, I think we're rebuilding the team with a new coach, who's got new ideas. I know the lads worked very hard in pre-season and we're trying to strike the right balance to be competitive. Some of us are still out injured but we all want to come back with the young guys and create a squad that can compete for trophies."
Finally the captain spoke about the transfer market: "The market's open and we're looking for ways of making our squad even more competitive. It's too early to judge, we're just getting started and we need to wait a while. Against Real Madrid we played a big club with great technical ability but I am confident the team will have a good season."
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