MILAN – Javier Zanetti gave an exclusive interview to Sky Sport 24 yesterday in which he discussed his future. Which will of course be at Inter.

Speaking from the top of Palazzo Lombardia, the seat of the regional government where a ceremony was held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Inter’s historic European Cup victory in Vienna, the former Nerazzurri skipper explained: “At the moment there are other people more capable than me who can deal with certain things. What I want to do right now is use my experience to fly this club’s flag while learning every day a bit more about the various areas where I can help out. Learn English? I was already doing that. I think it’s important for your personal growth as a manager, even though my precise role hasn’t been decided yet. I’ll remain a part of Inter, we’ll see what happens.”

On the possibility of seeing “his” captain’s armband on Andrea Ranocchia: “Andrea knows what it means to wear the Nerazzurri jersey. Personally I think he could be the right man for the job. He’s always available to listen to everyone. I believe he could do it very well.”

It was then put to Zanetti that it would have been strange for him to play on the same pitch as Tom Ince, having played alongside his father Paul all those years ago, and the journalist noted that the tie Tom was wearing when he arrived in Milan was similar to Zanetti’s on his first day: The Argentine replied: “Yeah, I set a trend there! I still have that tie, it’s in a museum I have with lots of other memorabilia at my house. I was very good friends with Paul. I remember when we used to meet up with other team-mates and he would play around with the ball. I have a great relationship with him: he always used to say I was his little brother.”

Finally, Zanetti commented on the suggestion that the club may decide to retire the number 4 shirt: “There’s talk within the club of that happening and if it were to happen it would be a huge honour for me, but I don’t want to push it at all.”

By Anna Italia
Follow me in Twitter  @ItalianSerieA

Here are the declarations of the ex Inter Captain and iconic figure Javier Zanetti after  attending the 50th anniversary celebrations of La Grande Inter’s European Cup victory in 1963/64.  Zanetti answering questions to the journalists attending:

Have you been involved in deciding Inter’s transfer strategies?
“There are other people who deal with the transfer market. I’m in the process of discussing my future role with the club, but nothing has been finalised yet.”

It’s an emotional day, some people have even asked you to carry on playing. But you’re ready to become Inter’s vice president.
“I’m ready to help out, how exactly is something we’re still looking at. We’ll have more talks, I’ve said I want to be useful.”

What could your role entail?
“We have to define a few things, discuss things properly with the club. I feel I can share my Inter experience with the lads, help them understand what it means to wear this shirt. For the other areas we have people like Ausilio and Fassone, who are very capable. I’ll try to work alongside them and pick things up as I go.”

Lots of players have moved on now. Is this year zero? How do you start again from here?
“With desire and hard work. I think we’re trying to do everything possible to build a team that can do better than last year. And hopefully that’s what will happen.”

Could Ranocchia take over the captain’s armband after you?
“I’ve suggested Andrea because he has experienced both good and bad moments with us. He understands those things perfectly so, yes, he could wear the captain’s armband.”

Have you already spoken to him?
“No, but I have a lot of faith in him and what he can give as a person. He’s very willing and available, all the lads can listen to him and I’m sure he’ll do great.”

Here are the declarations of Inter Honorary President Massimo Moratti spoke to the press on Tuesday 27 May at the end of this evening’s ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Inter’s first European Cup win.

He said: “It was a very emotional event, looking back and reliving those moments, seeing them being celebrated and then seeing the people themselves. President Thohir? It was great to have him here, hopefully it won’t be too long before we see our fourth European Cup lifted. We’ve discussed other things over the last few days that will give us the basis for growth. There’s mutual confidence between us. I was pleased he came along today, first of all because he represents Inter but also because it enabled him to experience this event personally. I think it filled him with confidence.”

What do Inter need to start winning things again?
“You always need a bit of luck, but then it’s about assembling the right players with a coach who can get them all working together, that’s how you build something.”

Bank guarantees?
“Yes, that’s something we spoke about.”

Transfer strategies?
“We exchanged views on players who could be available. Ausilio is going a great job.”

Tom Ince joining Inter?
“It would be significant, funny too. Ince was a great player and I hope his son has the same qualities. But he certainly hasn’t been signed yet, they were still discussing it.”

Ranocchia as captain?
“I don’t know, they’ll make their own assessments about that. Ranocchia is a smashing lad though, that’s for sure.”

By Anna Italia
Follow me in Twitter  @ItalianSerieA

Inter defender Yuto Nagatomo’s Japan have beaten Cyprus 1-0 (Uchida scoring on 43 minutes) in a friendly match played in Saitama as part of their World Cup preparations.

Nagatomo  was on the pitch for 78 minutes of the encounter, before making way for Inoha.