Inter Milan legend Javier Zanetti to retire at end of season

Javier Zanetti is one of the most decorated players in the history of Inter Milan

Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti is all set to retire as club president Erick Thohir confirmed that the veteran has decided to bring the curtain down on his career at the end of the season.

Zanetti, who turns 41 in August, will move into management position at San Siro, where he has been since arriving at Inter from the Argentine side, Banfield in 1995.

“The meetings with Zanetti have been going on for the last couple of months to understand his vision”, said Thohir to the journalists at a publicity event. “The discussion is done already, he’ll become part of the management”.

The 40-year-old legend has made over 850 appearances for the Nerazurris, a club which he joined back in 1995 after two short stints with Argentine clubs Talleres and Banfield.

In the 19-year illustrious career at San Siro, Zanetti has 16 titles under his belt including an unprecedented treble under Jose Mourinho in 2010.

However, until this season, he never played fewer than 30 games in a season showcasing his durability and deep desire to just go on. He has only appeared in 11 matches across Serie A and Coppa Italia in the ongoing campaign.

He went on to make nearly 150 appearances for Argentina between 1994 and 2011, before eventually retiring from international football.

Zanetti has 3 more matches to enjoy as a player, and can anticipate a memorable send-off on the final day of the season before calling it a day on a terrific career.