MILAN - Javier Zanetti discussed a whole host of Inter-related topics when he made a special guest appearance on Mediaset show Tiki Taka on Monday evening.
He began, however, with a dedication to former AC Milan and Italy coach Cesare Maldini, who passed away at the weekend: "He was a wonderful person and everyone loved him because he did so much for Italian football. My thoughts are with Paolo, who is someone I've always admired."
The legendary Nerazzurri skipper was then shown images of his last game at San Siro. "That's something I'll never forget – it still gives me goose bumps thinking about it now," he revealed. "It was amazing to be able to share such an important moment with all the fans. Inter was and is my life. There's a special connection between the club and my family."
Another big evening is on the horizon for the Inter vice president: 'Bocelli and Zanetti Night', a charity initiative, is being organised for 25 May at the Open Air Theatre in the Area Expo. "It's going to be a huge event," Zanetti explained. "Andrea [Bocelli] will be doing a concert and there'll be a host of stars from music and football, from Laura Pausini to Samuel Eto'o and Jose Mourinho. All the proceeds raised will go to our two foundations to help children."
Asked about his fondest memory, the Argentine had no hesitation: "The Champions League we won in Madrid. And my first trophy, the UEFA Cup final against Lazio in Paris – you don't forget things like that."
Back on the present: "Everyone was angry after we lost to Torino, starting from Thohir and Moratti – especially when we went down to nine men. We have to keep believing third place is possible, although it's become that much trickier now. We just have to concentrate on picking up as many points as possible."
Zanetti was then asked about Massimo Moratti's future: "He's been very clear on the matter: he wants to stay here with Thohir and build another successful team.
"As for Mancini, we have complete confidence in him."
