TOKYO - Javier Zanetti has underlined the importance of Inter Academy in the club's plans as the project continues to go from strength to strength.
The Nerazzurri vice president was speaking on Saturday at the launch of a new training centre in Fuchu, Tokyo - the fourth Inter Academy centre in Japan and the first to run an Elite Teams programme.
"When I was a boy I dreamed of becoming a footballer and thanks to the upbringing my parents gave me I learnt that you can achieve nothing without hard work," Zanetti said at the opening news conference. "That's why I believe the Inter Academy project is so important. We want to convey sporting values - the same ones I was taught as a boy and which helped me get where I am today and the same values I found at Inter, first as a player and now as vice president.
'I hope the kids here are able to make the most out of this experience and enjoy themselves by playing and learning.
'Education and respect for sporting values are very important in Japan and that's why this project has enjoyed so much success here. Together we'll make sure it continues.
'It was amazing to see so much enthusiasm from the 200-plus Inter Academy kids, their families and all the Nerazzurri fans from Japanese Inter Clubs. They've got so much passion.
"As a club, Inter believes very strongly in this project. The aim is to help youngsters develop close to their homes by sharing our football expertise with them, guiding them in their development so that they become men first and footballers second.
'As Inter's vice president I'm extremely proud of Inter Academy and our owners are too. Inter Academy is a direct consequence of the work done in our youth academy and you can see that in our coaches around the world and our training methods.
'The primary aim is to train local coaches so they can then train young footballers while respecting local traditions and customs. We want to help kids grow in their own environment and express their potential.
'The success of the Inter Academy project in recent years is clear for all to see and it continues to expand around the globe. It's not about scouting, but training.'
'We hope to be an example for these youngsters - that goes for myself, the coaches working here and Yuto Nagatomo too.
'I've known Yuto for many years now and he's always been a consummate professional with a solid work ethic. We're very happy to have him with us and I'm sure lots of youngsters are inspired by him and his pride in wearing the Inter shirt.
'Japanese football has come a long way and it's still growing. The Japanese work ethic is a sure way to bring success.'
Also present at the event was the Italian ambassador in Tokyo Domenico Giorgi, F.C. Internazionale partners Pirelli, Nike, Brooks Brothers, Laox and Nerazzurri fans from Inter Club Japan and Inter Club Tokyo.
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