The strong ties between the Inter Club Pupi Zanetti Malta (ICPZM) and Javier Zanetti were in abundant evidence yesterday afternoon as the former Inter captain and his young family flew into Malta to take part in a series of events in aid of the PUPI Foundation.
This is Zanetti’s third visit in the last 14 months but his presence here always seems to engender a wave of enthusiasm among the local Interisti as Il Capitano is an icon for the fans after donning the famous blue-and-black shirt for 19 years.
“It’s always a pleasure for me to return here,” Zanetti told a news conference at the McDonalds restaurant at the Malta International Airport soon after his arrival.
“In Malta, I always come across many Inter fans who demonstrate incredible enthusiasm.
“My family and I feel at ease among the Maltese people.
“At the same time, we undertake initiatives to help the children which is fundamental for me.”
The main objective of Zanetti’s latest visit is to raise funds for his foundation.
Along with his wife Paula, Zanetti set up the foundation in 2001 with the aim of assisting impoverished children in Argentina.
During his four-day stay, Zanetti is conducting a football clinic for children at the Luxol Ground.
Around 30 football enthusiasts are joining Zanetti in three five-a-side games after pledging a significant donation to his foundation.
Zanetti, who also has an agreement with the Malta Tourism Authority to promote our country in Italy, will also attend two social events, one at the Radisson Golden Sands Resort tomorrow evening and the other in the main square of Mellieħa on Monday.
Asked to explain why he chose to organise his second kids campus at the peak of the summer season, Zanetti replied: “Malta is nice also because during this time of the year, the climate is great.
“I’ve come here with my family but for me, this is not the holiday period because I’m taking part in a lot of initiatives for Inter.
“Like I’ve said, seeing the enthusiasm of the Inter sup-porters when we arrived and meeting the people of the Inter Club (Pupi Zanetti) here in Malta is always a point of reference for me and I will continue to do this kind of work.”
During his 19-year spell with Inter, Zanetti cemented his reputation as one of the most versatile and talented players in world football, also commanding universal respect for his exemplary behaviour on and off the field.
Zanetti, who turned 42 last Monday, eclipsed Giuseppe Bergomi’s record for most Serie A games for Inter and, to this day, he is still Argentina’s most capped player with 145 appearances.
He is synonymous with the most glorious era in Inter’s history as Zanetti inspired the Nerazzurri to several titles, including the famous treble of Champions League, Serie A and Italian Cup in 2010.
Administrative role
After hanging up his boots at the end of 2013/14, Zanetti took up the post of Inter FC vice-president.
A year on from his move into administration, Zanetti is still grateful to the club for giving him such an important role soon after his retirement from football.
“I want to thank the club again for giving me this opportunity,” Zanetti said.
“Inter mean a lot to me. This year I’ve tried to get to know all the areas of the club.
“I hope that, together with all the fans, we will have a great season (2015/16).”
Paul Fenech, the president of the ICPZM, thanked Zanetti and his family for accepting the club’s invitation to visit Malta in order to participate in the events in aid of the PUPI Foundation.
Also present for yesterday’s news conference was Lee Warren, representing McDonalds who, for the second year running, are the main sponsors of Zanetti’s campus.
“The training camp will give children an opportunity to be up close and personal with a footballing legend as they practise their favourite sport,” Warren said.
Powerade are also supporting the football clinic which began yes-terday and concludes tomorrow.