MILAN – Javier Zanetti was at the Mondadori Megastore in Milan's Piazza Duomo today to present his new book É tutto scritto. Naturally there was a big media following at the event and the vice president was happy to field questions from the journalists in attendance.
The number one topic on everyone's lips is the small matter of Sunday's Serie A clash with AC Milan. Zanetti gave his own view on what is one of the season's most highly anticipated encounters.
He said: "The derby is always a huge game and I've always been excited by it. It's a game that means so much and everyone wants to play in it.
"There's sure to be a great atmosphere and hopefully Inter can turn in a top performance. It's a unique feeling. I remember one derby with Mourinho that we had to play a man light – that was very special indeed. I hope we experience a similar feeling on Sunday."
The ex-skipper was asked how the players are shaping up for the game. "They're raring to go and I think we'll be ready when the time comes but we do need to be a bit patient. Mancini has only just arrived and he needs time to get to know the players.
"In any case Roberto is an old hand: he knows what the atmosphere is like around the club and he knows how to prepare for this sort of game. Inzaghi does too for that matter, and knowing him he'll make sure Milan are totally up for it. Both sides will go into it having left no stone unturned. They are no favourites in a match like this."
Another question put to the Nerazzurri vice president was whether he feels more involved since the change at the helm.
He replied: "I've always felt involved. I'm here to do whatever I can to help the club, as I've agreed with Thohir and the rest of the management. Perhaps I will be closer to the team but it doesn't mean anything. I've always been very close and I've been there at all the games, but I also believe everyone has a job to do and you must respect that.
"It's an honour for me to go on being a part of Inter and I hope to become even more useful for this club. The Nerazzurri fans know how much I adore these colours. All I want is what's best for the club and the fans; nothing else matters to me."
On Mazzarri's departure: "Unfortunately it got to a point where things had become extremely complicated but we must recognise the work he did. He put everything he had into the job, along with his backroom team, in the hope that things would pick up. In the end they turned out the way they did and now we need to focus on the present and the future."
Zanetti also discussed his new book and some of his memories from his time as captain.
"My favourite armband? I've tried to retrace the steps of my career using all the armbands I wore. Each one is testament to an unforgettable moment. They're all special, from my first one against Lecce to the one I wore in Madrid, which is steeped in sentiment. It was my 700th match, I was at the Bernabeu and I got to lift the Champions League trophy. I couldn't have asked for anything more."
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