NAPLES – During the Football Leader 2017 awards, the Italian Association of Football Coaches bestowed the prestigious honour of Leader per sempre ("Perennial Leader") to Javier Zanetti.
In their dedication to Inter’s vice president, they acknowledged that Zanetti is "an indisputable legend and model of leadership on and off the pitch". They praised him as a "world-class player" with great technique and "always a sportsmanlike attitude".
"He is a charismatic record-breaker who has been able to combine social work with an extraordinary footballing career."
In his acceptance speech, Zanetti thanked the organisers for the award and said: “I’m proud of the football career I had and even prouder it was at Inter, a club that I love and continue to represent today as vice president, trying to do my best for it every day.
He also touched upon the Un gol per ripartire project that aims to aid the communities in central Italy struck by last year’s earthquakes and is supported by Inter.
"Social responsibility is part of Inter’s DNA," he declared. "Last week in Tolentino is a recent example. We want to support the people who are suffering in Marche and elsewhere, offering an unwavering hand."
Apart from his work in an Inter capacity, Zanetti also oversees his own charity, the Pupi Foundation: "It’s a really important project for myself, my wife and my family. Helping children in need makes us happy."
Back onto footballing matters, the Nerazzurri legend revealed that "my best memory is undoubtedly winning the Champions League at the Bernabeu.
"As for Francesco Totti’s farewell, anyone who loves football would have found that emotional. I know exactly what Francesco went through yesterday. He has given everything for Roma and I’m sure he’ll give so much more, off the pitch as well. When I stopped playing, I immediately started learning about my new job as vice president, which means a lot to me. It’s a new experience that I’m trying to go about with professionalism and hard work every day to benefit the club. The owners put a lot of store by projects in the sphere of international development and I follow them with passion."
To wrap up, Zanetti had a few words for his compatriots Rodrigo Palacio and Juan Pablo Carrizo, who are themselves moving on from Inter after many years at the club.
"Thank you, Rodrigo and Juan Pablo," he concluded, "two totally professional players who have always shown an exemplary attitude. I wish them the best in their future experiences in football."
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