Javier Zanetti is the symbol of the most glorious period in the history of Inter.

The Argentine was the driving force of the great Inter side that swept many honours between 2005 and 2011, culminating in the famous treble of Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia under Jose Mourinho in 2010.

After calling time on his extraordinary career at the end of last season, Il Capitano took up an administrative role as vice-president of the ‘new’ Inter led by Indonesian businessman Erick Thohir.

The presence of Zanetti in the Inter hierarchy provides a constant reminder of the high standards Inter should always aspire for but for much of the past five years, the Nerazzurri have been in a steady decline.

This season has hardly elicited much hope of a revival as Inter, ninth in the Serie A, face a tall order to reach their mundane target of qualifying for the Europa League.

They have also been through a coaching change with Roberto Mancini returning for a second spell in charge last November following the sacking of Walter Mazzarri.

Zanetti, who was in Malta recently to conduct a training camp for foreign guests in his role as tourism ambassador for the country, described the current season as complicated but he is adamant that Inter will return to being a competitive team sooner rather than later.

“Unfortunately this season has been somewhat strange but we hope to finish the championship on a good note,” Zanetti told Times of Malta.

We know it’s difficult and complicated but in these remaining 10 games Inter will be doing everything possible to try and qualify for Europe

“After that, we will seek to become competitive again and, above everything, return to the top positions of the classification as that is where Inter belong.”

Inter’s run in the Europa League was halted by Wolfsburg in the last 16 stage but their chances of European football next season look remote.

With 10 Serie A games remaining, Inter are level with Genoa on 37 points, 10 adrift of fifth-placed Napoli who occupy the final Europa League position.

Although Zanetti is hoping that Inter will rekindle their challenge in the final two months of the season, he has already set his sights on next season.

“Europe always remains a great objective,” the 41-year-old remarked.

“We know it’s difficult and complicated but in these remaining 10 games Inter will be doing everything possible to try and qualify for Europe.

“If it doesn’t happen, we will see how we will start the next season but certainly Inter will return to being competitive.”

After a professional career spanning over two decades, Zanetti has been learning the ropes as a football administrator since swapping the club’s famed black and blue kit for a suit.

Admired for his loyalty to Inter, Zanetti, who also holds the record as Argentina’s most capped player with 145 appearances, had long been tipped to stay with the club after his retirement from football.

The announcement that the Argentine would become Inter vice-president was welcomed by the fans.

“Yes, it has been a busy year,” Zanetti said of his transition from player to official.

“Once again, I’m grateful to Inter for giving me this possibility.

“I’m learning a lot of things. I’m flanking the team manager to understand how a club behind a football squad functions. I believe that a lot of things can be done.”

The supporters’ affection for Zanetti was again in ample evidence during the six days he spent here.

He was given an enthusiastic reception at the inauguration of the Inter Club Pupi Zanetti Malta in Msida. The fast-growing club was funded last year by Paul Fenech who has forged a close relationship with the Inter icon.

On Monday, hundreds of Inter supporters turned up at the Brooks Brothers outlet in Valletta to meet Zanetti who, last weekend, attended a concert by pop singer Ira Losco which raised €4,000 for his PUPI Foundation.

A social event hosted by the Inter Club Pupi Zanetti Malta at the Cavalieri Hotel yielded a further €1,300 for Zanetti’s foundation.

“It has been a week where I again sampled the love and affection of the Maltese people which is very important,” Zanetti enthused.

“This bond with Malta is always growing stronger. I must also thank Inter for giving me this opportunity.

“This evening I’m here at the Brooks Brothers which is also one of our sponsors, so also today I’m representing my club.”