Javier Zanetti commented on Cristian Chivu. The Argentinian Vice President of Inter spoke to Flashscore in an interview:
“Chivu is doing really well. Before this, he was with our Primavera team for three years and did a great job there too. Now he has this opportunity at Parma, a team he took over at a difficult moment when they were in the relegation zone. The season is over, and Parma stayed in Serie A. I`m convinced Cristian is a coach who will have a long career.”
Do you see any of your former teammates becoming coaches in the future?
“Cambiasso. I think if Cuchu decides to try it, he will be a great coach, because he already was one as a player.”
Why didn`t you leave Inter? You received offers from Real Madrid in 2001 and other times, and you didn`t accept them?
“The decision was made because you always evaluate not just the financial aspect, but also how you feel in a place. And at Inter, I always felt very comfortable because I sensed a family atmosphere, and that`s what I look for and what I like. That`s why I always decided to stay at Inter.”
Your idol was Bocha (Ricardo Enrique Bochini): Was his example what made you decide to play your whole career at the same club?
“It doesn`t happen anymore that a footballer plays for only one team. But being a fan of Independiente, Bocha`s example was certainly a great one for me.”
How do you see your position today, do you see any player similar to you?
“No, but I like Molina because he plays the full-back role with an offensive perspective, and I like that because it`s what I enjoyed doing. Yes, I like him because he always thinks about the opponent`s goal.”
What are the differences between Moratti`s Inter and the ones that followed?
“They were all owners with different visions, different cultures, different dynamics, because Moratti was and is a family very identified with Inter. And from him, we moved to Thohir, an Indonesian businessman who came to try and fix the accounts. Then came the Chinese ownership with Steven Zhang, who initially had great purchasing power and wanted to make big investments. And now there`s this American fund, Oaktree, which has very clear ideas and wants to bring Inter to the top.”
Has your role changed under the different managements?
“Yes, but they all knew well my sense of belonging to the club.”
Serie A is not what it used to be…
“It`s coming back, it`s coming back. Today I think the Premier League is the number one league, but Serie A is returning thanks to teams that try to play good football, and the truth is that it`s also receiving a lot of international attention, which could certainly benefit many clubs.”
Inter will face River in the Club World Cup, what do you think of the match?
“It will be a good match because both teams try to play good football. River has a young player like Mastantuono, who is only seventeen, but he plays with a personality that makes him look like someone who has been playing in Serie A for ten years.”
Is Inter interested in him?
“Who doesn`t like Mastantuono? All teams would want him, but he costs too much.”
Are you ready for the Club World Cup?
“It`s a new tournament, with a new format, but I think it`s a great opportunity, because all the teams from different parts of the world play against each other, and being the first edition, everyone will want to win it and therefore will prepare their best.”
Do you think European teams are taking the World Cup seriously?
“Because of what I said before, I believe it`s a very prestigious tournament. Playing against teams from other parts of the world always enriches you, and that`s why I think when it starts, many people will be watching.”
Describe Lamine Yamal in a few words.
“An incredible player. A unique talent, very fast, with both his right and, naturally, his left foot. He is only 17 years old and has already played over 100 matches. The truth is that he has a great future ahead of him.”
Is comparing him to Messi too much?
“Today, yes, because Messi has been the best for a very long time. He has been in the elite with a consistency that is very difficult to maintain. Leo, in my opinion, is the essence of football. If Lamine will reach these levels? If he is consistent, he will surely be on the podium. But today, the truth is that comparing him to Messi is very premature.”
Do you consider him a special player?
“Yes, special: with a lot of speed, but also with a lot of calmness. We are talking about a 17-year-old, but with a great personality. A player who always wants the ball. The truth is that Barcelona, and I told Laporta this too, has an extraordinary player.”
Let`s do a quick round. Coffee or mate?
“Mate.”
Milan or Buenos Aires?
“I live in Como and, therefore, Buenos Aires.”
Italian or Argentinian cuisine?
“Argentinian barbecue.”
Who is the best footballer today?
“Lamine Yamal.”
And the best team?
“Inter.”
The best coach right now?
“Simone Inzaghi.”
Who was the best teammate you had in your playing career?
“I was lucky enough to play with Messi.”
And the best player you faced?
“The Phenomenon, Ronaldo.”
Can you name 11 players from your era?
“Ronaldo, Baggio, Simeone, Batistuta, Caniggia, Samuel, Cambiasso, Julio César, Maicon, Roberto Carlos. All incredible players. Messi, Eto`o, Milito. I played with almost all of them, and it was an honour and a privilege.”
