MILAN – "I really struggled to hold back the tears, I’m crying on the inside. It’s an amazing, unforgettable evening," Javier Zanetti explained to journalists after Inter v Lazio.

"Lots and lots of images passed through my mind tonight. I thank the fans and the Moratti family for the career I’ve been able to have and all the love they’ve given me. I could see what sort of atmosphere there was even before the game – incredible. I’ve always been proud to defend these colours.

"I called Esteban [Cambiasso] over because it was right to salute someone like him who has given so much for this shirt, like all the others.

"It wasn’t easy to take this decision. I’ve given everything I had. I’m glad to be able to quit when I’m physically and mentally fit.

"How did it go? Great, I couldn’t have imagined it any better. It’s been a fantastic evening. My team-mates gave me this brilliant win which means we’re where we wanted to be, in the Europa League. We all cried. I cried on the outside, on the inside, quite honestly I couldn’t keep it in anymore. It’s a never-ending day, one that will never finish.

"I’ll tell the lads who pull on the Inter jersey in future that they have to honour it and defend it as I’ve had the privilege of doing. It’s important to have that sense of belonging and understand what it means to play for Inter and defend these colours across the world. That’s what they need to understand.

"I’ll miss lots of things: the dressing room, drinking mate with Samuel and Milito, the training camps. I’ll carry it all with me for the rest of my life."

MILAN – Dejan Stankovic chatted to Inter Channel after Inter v Lazio about what this evening means: "It was important to me to be here for the captain’s farewell, we fought so many battles together."

The former Nerazzurri midfielder went on: "It’s hard to say goodbye to Pupi, a club symbol, an example for us all and for youngsters. I hope in future all children will be able to take on board the good things Zanetti has shown."

On the captain’s own future: "This isn’t a full stop for him, it’s just a comma."

MILAN – "It will be a sentimental evening. This is a story that goes a long way back, one we’ve shared together since June 1995. Zanetti has the same memories and feelings as I do. It’s a very unusual day for me." That’s what FC Internazionale honorary president Massimo Moratti said before Inter v Lazio.

He added: "I hope Zanetti can give the best of himself tonight. Today is all about him. I think this is what football’s about: it’s about emotions and you can’t fight them. Would I like to see him start the game? Yes, I would but I don’t know if he will."

MILAN – Piero Ausilio spoke to Sky Italia before kick-off. "What role do I see Zanetti in? That’s not for to me to say but I’m sure the president will have thought about how best to fit him in. They’ll sit down together and work out the best solution. We know we’ll have another valuable resource available to us."

Asked whether the Nerazzurri fans can dream of a signing like Dzeko, Inter’s sporting director went on: "As things stand realistically that’s out of the question. I believe football needs a sense of realism and we’ll try to do the best we can while bearing in mind our financial strategies

"Hernanes? We always expect more from every player because you must never rest on your laurels. We knew that bringing a player in during the January window was forcing things a bit, not only financially but also on the playing side because the team had been working together for a while. As soon as he came into the side we started winning, then he had some injury problems but he’s a top player and I’m sure he’ll be even more important for us next season."