Happy Birthday Captain!

Today is a great day not just for the city of Milan, but also for the world of football. Forty years ago Javier Zanetti was born, the man whose name became the synonym of loyalty, humility and faith. During his long football career, he managed to reach the highest levels by conquering five trophies of the Italian Seria A, one Champions League Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup just to mention the most important ones. Javier is almost the last player who remained from the CL winner, superb team of Internazionale in 2009 and 2010, which is one of the many reasons why he represents a great asset for the black and blue fans. Thanks to his incredible devotion towards his club (he has been playing for Inter since he arrived to the old continent) he already wrote his name into the football legend’s history book. With all the shining victories and unforgettable battles behind his back he never forgot about his modesty and respectful behavior while earring himself the title of „Captain”. Undoubtedly, without his lead, Inter could have hardly reached those excellent results in the second half of the recent millennium’s first decade. 

However, there is one thing which should be underlined when we are talking about the legend’s career. Zanetti is not just an ever shining star of his profession but also the champion of life. His commitment to help the poor and disadvantaged children is a great example to follow. Almost twelve years ago Javier and his wife Paula gave rise to the P.U.P.I.  Foundation (which is the acronym for Por Un Piberió Integrado, but also his nickname) in order to help the children in one of the most deprived urban areas of Buenos Aires, called Lanús. With the set up of their social enterprise, the Zanettis created a unique space where socially disadvantaged kids receive care and education without which they might find themselves in an even more difficult situation. Following many years of efforts in the social field, he was also nominated as FIFA’s ambassador for the S.O.S Children’s Villages project in Argentina. A few years ago, for his moral behavior on and off the pitch, the captain received the Altropallone award from my receiving foundation. It’s a pity that I could not see him at that time.

To sum up, I am convinced that today’s doping fuelled and market interests governed shiny football world needs more people like Javier. Instead of praising extrovert, luxury addicted football clowns, we should better learn from his example to get close to the true values of sport and life.

Captain, happy birthday and good luck on and off the pitch! 

 

10.08.2013, Milan