Zanetti proud of appearance records for Inter and Argentina

Posted Tuesday, July 31, 2012 by Goal.com

Javier Zanetti has admitted that he is immensely proud of the fact that he holds appearance records for both Argentina and Inter.

The versatile full-back represented his country on 145 occasions before retiring from international football last year, while last season he surpassed Giuseppe Bergomi as the Nerazzurri's most capped player.

The famously humble Zanetti insists that he still treasures titles over individual accolades but confesses that, as he draws towards the end of his illustrious career, he is proud of what he has achieved on a personal level.

"All records are special, but I have two favourites," the 38-year-old revealed in an interview with Champions Magazine.

"One is my caps record for Argentina, considering that in my country it is very difficult to play [for the national team] because there are so many great players.

"The other is being [Inter] captain for 12 years and holding the appearance record: it's beautiful, especially for a foreigner."

Zanetti also revealed that the keys to his remarkable durability have been his family and his work-rate.

"I take my fitness very seriously," he explained. "Moreover, the harmony I have at home with my family helps me to think only of football.

"My secret is that I can train more, with the same intensity as a real game."

Zanetti, who joined Inter from Banfield in 1995, has won five Scudetti, a Champions League and a Club World Cup during his time at San Siro.