Florence, 18 May. – (Adnkronos) – “When Inter told me that I had to be vice-president, I was very happy: but at the same time I realized that it was a huge responsibility. A very important footballing journey had ended after 25 years, yes it closed one parenthesis and opened another: starting completely from scratch, still linked to football but as a manager. Many of my former colleagues are coaches, I wanted to be a manager, and above all not just a manager of the sporting side: I wanted to have a broader, 360-degree vision. I had to prepare: for this reason I started a training course at Bocconi University, where I continue to study, where I am learning a lot.” Javier Zanetti, vice-president of Inter, said this in a video message sent on the final day of the Labor Festival, organized in Florence by the National Council of the Order of Labor Consultants.
“I must say that I am in a very important phase of my life, because I am making myself useful for my club, not only in the sporting part: in the different areas that our club has and where it can grow – added Zanetti – Giving my contribution in different areas that I didn’t know when I played, this certainly enriches me.”
“Studying is fundamental, learning also from people who have more experience than you – concluded Zanetti – Football certainly teaches: I am a member of FIFA, UEFA and Conmebol, I know many people from whom I can easily learn, listen and then put it into practice during my daily life.”
“We must set an example: I demonstrated to my companions with deeds, not with words, the path we had to follow. My companions believed in me because they knew that everything I did was for the good of the group, and not out of personal interest. With example, respect, sense of belonging, responsibility, spirit of sacrifice, generosity: when you are part of the group you must look for all these components in order to reach the objectives”.
“Fairness first of all, respect also for opponents, for colleagues, always – added Zanetti – These are the values that my parents passed on to me since I was a child, I carried them throughout my football career and I continue to bring now as a manager. I believe that respect is fundamental. The thing I like most is that after I stopped playing football I am recognized for these values, beyond the football shirt has an important resonance on a global level: the fact that they recognize me for this is a source of pride for me.”
“Every time I lifted a trophy, which luckily there were many, and many complimented me on what I won, I always liked to remember the path I had taken since I was a child to get there – concluded Zanetti – Every time that I lifted a trophy, my mind, my heart, went back to that child who dreamed of becoming a footballer. Always feet on the ground, great humility and spirit of sacrifice, because without sacrifice you can achieve nothing.”
“You have to adapt – he continues – and you have to understand the moment that you are experiencing. Technology is advancing very quickly: then you adapt, adapt, and make your talent available, because each of us has a talent. You just have to make it available disposition, but always with the culture of work”.
