Inter president Erick Thohir has confirmed that veteran Argentine defender Javier Zanetti will hang up his boots at the end of the current season, putting an end to his illustrious football career at the age of 40.
According to the Indonesia national, ‘El Pupi’ will move into an off-field role with the club, whom he has represented for almost two decades.
«We have been meeting for some months, to understand his point of view, but we have already taken a decision: [Zanetti] will form part of the management team, but now we must focus on qualifying for the Europa League,» Thohir affirmed.
Zanetti’s last match in the Nerazzurri home is scheduled for May 10, against Lazio, albeit in a San Siro stadium empty of home fans due to a punishment from the Italian Football Federation. The ban on supporters follows racist chanting during a recent clash against Napoli.
The defender/midfielder, with 614 games played in Serie A, is the most experienced player currently active in the Italian top-flight. Only Paolo Maldini, with 647 appearances, is above the Argentine in history, while his 849 matches in the Inter jersey is another record.
‘Pupi’ arrived at Inter in the 1995-96 season from Banfield, and lifted a total of 16 titles with the club; including five Scudetti (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010) and the Champions League in 2010.
Internationally, his 145 appearances for Argentine make him the most-capped player in the nation’s history.
buenosairesherald.com