Il Capitano at volleyball court
Javier Zanetti is an historical Argentinian football player full of records and achievements. The 40 years old was transferred to Inter of Milan, his actual club, in 1995 and he didn’t move from there on. He’s the captain and a leading moral voice of all his teammates. He played the same role in Argentine football National Team all the time he was part of the squad. He’s also truly admired because of his professionalism, solidarity and humility.
The story between Zanetti and volleyball started in 2003 when he accidentally met Javier Weber with Marcos Milinkovic as intermediary. Argentina’s coach was in Italy trying to convince the former opposite hitter to play in Brazil, and then he was suddenly sharing a meal with famous captain Zanetti. They hit it off immediately and commenced a friendship that has many episodes.
They first watched volleyball together in Italy and then their public appearances were more frequently. Weber collaborated with Zanetti’s foundation (a place that helps marginal children to get reincorporated in society) many times playing as a goalkeeper in benefit matches. But is not only about football, Inter’s captain also organized a volleyball match where stars from soccer shared the court with professional volleyball players.
The relationship goes far beyond charity and Zanetti visited Argentinian National Team everytime they played in Italy, as in 2010 when he surprised the delegation full of teenagers –even more than today- and gave them support at the World Cup. Is also known that he enjoys watching volleyball and he’s always pending of Weber’s team.
It is no surprise that the player with records of presence in Argentina’s National Team and Inter appeared at Piacenza and invited Luciano De Cecco and his teammates to watch the derby between his beloved squad and Roma. The players were guests of honour at San Siro, but only a few weeks ago, Sebastian Sole and Alexandre Ferreira were at a match too. It’s apparent that the good connection established three years ago continues.
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