The ten most influential captains of the modern era: Javier Zanetti
For Javier Zanetti, the captain’s armband not only commemorates his spirit as a versatile football player who can be slotted into any position on the pitch (and I mean any), but also eulogises him as a beacon of loyalty to his team’s colours.
Zanetti has cemented his stature in Italian football for nearly two decades – in a time that saw him being present in every third of the pitch for Inter Milan. The Argentine native has donned the Nerazzuri colors for over 800 appearances, most of which have come as captain of the club.
As a captain, he has lifted 15 of the 16 trophies that Inter Milan has won in his 18 years at the club. After shadowy years under Juventus and AC Milan, he was a vital player in the team that won five consecutive Serie A titles, certifying its status as the new Italian powerhouse.
With his 40th birthday looming, the Argentine chose to best celebrate it with a contract extension at the club he adores, and in the sport that he reveres.
But a few months ago, many of the sport’s fanatics raised questions about the 39 year old’s capability to showcase the flair that has earned him adulation around the world. Why wouldn’t they?
Football in today’s modern world is quick and agile where young feet breed into multi-million assets. The aged have to find elsewhere to go, most prominently at the commentary box – describing the talents that eclipsed their very own presences on the pitch.
But this hasn’t impeded the progress of Javier Zanetti to being glorified as one of the sport’s greatest talents – even though his age could be seen as against him. Just 8 days before he turns 40, weariness isn’t anywhere to be seen in Zanetti’s skill-set – even when he goes up against quicker feet in the game.
To best demonstrate his stalwart presence at the club: 18 years ago, Zanetti made his debut in the esteemed blue and black. The number of years he has spent at the club has been as many as the managerial changes around him. This is an average of around one manager per season – a rate many would consider as ominous, with an influx of new tactics and formations.
In spite of such inconstancy around him, it has still not threatened Javier Zanetti’s place from the first team. What is more impressive is how many of those managerial changes did not displace him from his role as team captain.
What is surprising is the fact that many of Inter Milan’s stars today were not even born when Zanetti made his debut, with the current manager being three years younger. Age might have been the aversive characteristic for many of football’s venerated to quit, but Javier Zanetti was never deterred by that.
While he has seen several Inter teams reassembled around him in Milan, his ubiquity has always remained the focal point in the team. The highlight of this was when he led the rejuvenated unit around him to a historic and Italian club football’s only treble in 2010.
And yes, those who wanted answers as to whether Javier Zanetti can keep going steady despite numerous setbacks, they have it. It was predestined with hope that he would return for another glorious season as the club’s talisman. 2013-14 will mark El Capitano’s, as he is affectionately nicknamed, 19th season in the Serie A for the Nerazzuri – a record not many legends can boast of.
But how does he do it for so long and so well?
Zanetti’s secret of success is his ability to adhere primarily to the basics. His only preoccupation is to perform day in, day out with his usual calm yet composed persona, indomitable dedication and unyielding stamina.