Zanetti, 30 years of the Nerazzurri: "Inter is a promise that you keep forever"
Legends
— Sep 4th 2025The exclusive with the Inter Vice President on the 30th anniversary of his Inter debut
30 years is a long time, but it can go in a flash, leaving behind unforgettable memories and emotions. Sensations and moments that the Inter colours have brought Javier Zanetti since 27 August, 1995, the day his made his debut for the club and the beginning of a patch that would lead him to become the player with the highest number of appearances in the history of the Club.
The first of 858 matches, the first page of a book that continues until today: to celebrate this special anniversary, the current Inter Vice President spoke about his life with the Club in an exclusive interview.
“My memory of my arrival in Milano, the presentation alongside Rambert. Lots of people who made history for the Club were waiting for us: Giacinto Facchetti, Luis Suarez, Angelillo, Bergomi and President Moratti... I remember the initial feelings, the discovery of this Inter world. ”
“The Captain's armband was a huge responsibility: I was honoured to have the chance to wear it and to be the Captain of such an historic team like Inter. If I look back at the people who wore it before me, we're talking about people who left a huge influence: having been Captain for 15 years meant a lot to me, because Inter is my family, the Club that I love. I gave everything for myself and my teammates: being there for them was incredibly important to me. ”
“I will always remember my first match: Inter vs. Vicenza, 27 August 1995. For me, it was a dream come true, making my debut at San Siro in front of 80,000 people. We won the match thanks to a goal from Roberto Carlos, who had just arrived too. I will always carry the passion and energy from that day with me. That's why my favourite day is my debut: I never could have imagined it would be the first of 858 with Inter. That day I stepped onto the pitch for the first time wearing the Nerazzurri number four shirt; that day marked the start of my story with Inter. ”
Javier Zanetti