FC Internazionale Milano captain Javier Zanetti said his career is "certainly not over" after rupturing his left Achilles tendon during Sunday's 1-0 Serie A defeat at US Città di Palermo.

"My goal is to come back stronger than before, I believe I can do it," said Zanetti. "I think I needed a 'change of tyres' after running for so many kilometres. Injuries are part of the job. I haven't been told how long I will be out for, but my career is certainly not over. I just want to recover as well as possible."

Zanetti, who will turn 40 in August, is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months. He joined the Nerazzurri in 1995 and has since helped them to 16 major trophies, included the UEFA Cup in 1998 and the UEFA Champions League in 2010. Capped a record 145 times by Argentina, he has played more games than anybody else in Inter's history (845 in all competitions) and is second only to Paolo Maldini in the all-time Serie A standings.

Inter are seventh in the Italian top flight with four matches remaining. "I'm sorry I can't be with my team-mates for this final part of the season but I'm confident they can qualify for the Europa League," Zanetti added. "Meanwhile, I thank everyone for all the messages I have received at this difficult time."