Zanetti: Inter's heart and soul

When the 22-year-old Javier Zanetti joined FC Internazionale Milano from CA Banfield in 1995, few could have predicted just what the Argentinian would come to represent for the famous Italian club. Many great footballers have worn the Nerazzurri shirt in the 13 seasons since, but after thousands of runs along the right flank and more than 500 games, Zanetti is still 'la bandiera' – the symbol – of the Inter side. Last month the 34-year-old won a record 116th cap for Argentina, then made his 400th Serie A appearance. The only thing missing on his Inter CV is the UEFA Champions League trophy. Could this be his year? He answers your questions.

When Inter were not winning trophies did you ever consider moving to another European club?
Marco, Macerata, Italy

Javier Zanetti: No, not seriously. Even though I've had some serious offers from big clubs, I've always thought I would eventually have the chance of winning with Inter. Fortunately I wasn't wrong. Also, this club is very special. It is like a family. The idea of leaving when you are so comfortable would not be easy for anyone.

Do you think playing in midfield, as you're doing at the moment, instead of running up and down the flank, could help prolong your career?
Cecilia, Stockholm

Javier Zanetti: I'm equally comfortable in both positions. It's never been a problem for me playing in either of them. Even though I started out at right-back, I actually enjoy the contrast of playing both at full-back and in midfield. Both require physical attributes and a lot of energy. The important thing is to train well during the week so you perform well physically come matchday.

Playing 400 games in Serie A is a first among foreign players (given that Brazilian José Altafini also played for Italy). Will you stay in Italy when you retire or return to Argentina?
Jacopo, Milan

Javier Zanetti: I haven't decided yet. At the moment I don't want to think about such important decisions. When the time comes, I will talk about it with my family and between us we will decide what to do. Whatever happens, I will always feel close to both countries.

You are 34 years old and still playing for a top club team and internationally for Argentina. You don't show any signs of slowing down. How have you been able to play at such a top level for so long?
Aubrey Matupa, New York, USA

Javier Zanetti: The secret is continuity. I've managed to play most games every season for many seasons. That gives you confidence and stability. I've also been lucky not to have any serious injuries.

Do you watch your ex-clubs' matches? Do you know what's happening with Banfield and do you have a contact with your friends from Banfield?
George Kekelia, Georgia

Javier Zanetti: I do watch them. I follow them and have good friends from my early years, such as Jorge 'Patrulla' Jiménez, who was a central midfielder at Banfield. We got our first call-up for the national team together in 1995, when Daniel Passarella was Argentina manager. It was a very special day for us, especially as neither of us expected it.

Was the day you opened the Fundación PUPI more emotional than any other day in your career?
Matias Paro, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Javier Zanetti: It was one of the most important days of my life. It meant realising a project and a dream I've had with my wife Paula for many years. The things we have achieved for the kids make us feel very happy. It's a constant challenge to keep doing more.

How did you feel when you received the Serie A trophy for Inter Milan?
Johan, Indonesia

Javier Zanetti: It was a unique feeling, and very important for every Inter player and every Inter employee as well. We have won other trophies but the scudetto was sorely missing. We were all aware of that.

What, in your opinion, is missing in your team that has prevented you becoming a Champions League winner or a consistent favourite for this title?
Turgut Mustafayev, Baku, Azerbaijan

Javier Zanetti: The thing about Champions League football is it can turn on an instant. You can have a very good, solid team over the course of the season, but the Champions League is more like the World Cup, where your fate can be decided in a second and you need a bit of luck too. Last year we felt we could go all the way to the final, but when we came to play Valencia, we had a string of injuries. That's what I mean about moments. The Champions League doesn't wait. As for the future, we are confident we are on track, but it's all about seizing the moments.

Who would you say is the better player: today's Ibrahimović or Ronaldo when he was with Inter in the 1997/98 season?
Emanuele, Rome, Italy

Javier Zanetti: Very difficult question. They are different kinds of players. Ronnie in 1998 was simply extraordinary. Zlatan has proven his quality. But they could play together and be equally decisive, because their characteristics are different.

i) Would bringing Inter to the UEFA Champions League final and perhaps leaving with the trophy itself change your feelings about your football career?
ii) This season with AC Milan, Juventus and Fiorentina no longer penalized, would winning the scudetto mean more to you and the rest of Inter?
Paul Atwell

Javier Zanetti: I have two dreams and they are both big ones. The first is to lift the Champions League with Inter, just like back in the times of 'La Grande Inter'. The second is to win the World Cup with Argentina. I'm not obsessed with either of these, though. The best way to fulfil them is to go step by step. As for the second question, every Serie A title has been special. The first one was special because after all that happened we felt we were fair winners. It was right for us to celebrate it even if it was in the pre-season. The second was also very special because we won it with a record points tally. We beat all the penalised clubs, which proved we had the best team. If we win this season's scudetto, it will be special too but not more special than the previous ones.

How did you feel when you won the UEFA Cup in '98 after scoring such a wonderful goal? Is that one of your most memorable goals in your career, or have you scored a better goal than the one you scored against Lazio?
Carlos Trejo, Mexico

Javier Zanetti:Yes, I think it is one of the two most special goals I've ever scored. It was very special to win the first big trophy in Italy. The other goal was in France '98 against England. It was a rehearsed set-piece where I was in the wall and ran to the blind side.

What do you think about Fenerbahçe SK and their playing system? Do you think they will be the team qualifying with Inter from Group G?
Aytek Cingitas, Turkey

Javier Zanetti: Totally. I think they can benefit from a couple of results. Their football style is typical of Zico. They play good, neat football.

We will be publishing the second part of Javier Zanetti's interview with uefa.com users on Friday so log on to the uefa.com Magazine on 14 December to read it.