JAVIER Zanetti has said he will “never forget the moment” that Inter officially retired the No. 4 jersey in his honour on Monday.
The Argentine defender retired at the end of last season, bringing an end to an illustrious career in which he won five Serie A titles, a Champions League crown, a Club World Cup and the Coppa Italia four times after 19 seasons with Inter.
The club announced that they would retire the jersey he made iconic, making the tribute official on Monday after the Expo 2015 charity match at San Siro on Monday.
And Zanetti thanked the club for the gesture.
“I want to thank all of my friends who have been here with us this evening, the atmosphere is great,” he said. “I will never forget this moment, thanks to all the people who came to the stadium for the charity game.
“My affection for these people will remain forever, they know what affection and love I have for them, this relationship will never end.
“I will never stop thanking these fans. I humbly built my career here and I faced many opponents with respect and for me it is important that they are here tonight.”