MILAN – Juan Sebastian Veron had the kind of talent that lights up a stadium on even the dullest winter’s day.
Class, elegance, style – it’s no wonder that Veron found his way to San Siro and Inter.
Now their paths are set to cross once again, and the current Estudiantes president has spoken of his excitement at taking on Inter at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on Wednesday 27 July.
"It will be great to see my friends [Javier] Zanetti and [Roberto] Mancini again," began Veron. "Javier and I are doing similar things in football now so we’ll certainly talk about that. I’m looking forward to seeing the boss again. We played together at Sampdoria and then he signed me at Inter. Both of them are important parts of my career."
It will be only the second time Estudiantes and Inter have done battle on the football field, as Veron explained: "Not many people are aware of this but after Estudiantes won the Intercontinental Cup in 1968, we played a friendly against Inter at San Siro. My dad even played for Estudiantes that day. It’s one of the reasons why 27 July will be so special – it’s going to be a historic match. I’m sure all the memories will start rushing back – it will be great to see the Nerazzurri again."
Veron was back in Milan just a few weeks ago, to help inaugurate the brand-new Inter Store Milano: "It was a pleasure to see the Nerazzurri fans again, as well as some of my former team-mates and people at the club. It’s always nice to see that the supporters still remember me fondly – that makes me really proud. My family and I were made to feel right at home during my time at Inter."
Indeed, Veron’s spell at Inter has certainly stayed with the Argentine legend: "I had two fantastic seasons in Milan. I have good memories of it all rather than one moment in particular. We laid the foundations for a period of historic success for the Nerazzurri. With Mancini and then [Jose] Mourinho, Inter achieved some wonderful things and even though I only spent two seasons at the club I feel like I contributed to that success in a way. I watched with pleasure as they secured so many victories.
"My friend Francesco [Toldo] is right when he says Inter changes your life and his Inter Forever project proves that. Being able to wear the black and blue of Inter is special and carries with it certain responsibilities. We’re talking about one of the historic football clubs, one of the best teams in the world. Playing for a club like that is a dream for any player. I was lucky enough to see that dream come true and I’ll never forget it."
Fancy going to Inter v Estudiantes at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey on 27 July? Click here for ticket information!
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