Zanetti: what I miss about football are the training sessions, not the matches

Speaking on Melissa Satta’s podcast ‘The Long Game’, Javier Zanetti shared his life philosophy and revealed what he regrets most about his football career. The Inter vice president explained how he managed to stay in shape even after retiring.

“Everyone asks me, everyone tells me I look the same as 30 years ago. I live day by day, I do everything with a lot of passion,” Zanetti said. “I like to train, if I can I train every day. What I miss most about football are the training sessions, not the matches or the stadium atmosphere like many say. I miss being with my teammates and sharing certain moments. Training makes me feel good. I like playing padel, but only for fun and to work out. Everything I do is based on a healthy lifestyle.”

On his personal definition of longevity, the former Nerazzurri captain is clear: “Trying to feel good about yourself. Every day I always have something to do: beyond my work as vice president, between the office and the pitch, I always try to organize something for myself. Dedicating time to myself and my family is fundamental.”

Looking back on his extraordinary sporting longevity, Zanetti admitted: “Mother Nature allowed me to play until I was 40, she helped me a lot. Then there’s the great work ethic, I felt I was an example for others as captain. Let me tell you an anecdote: on my wedding day I trained in the morning, my wife knew and wasn’t surprised.”

Retirement came by personal choice: “You don’t think about it at first, you always try to enjoy the moment with great responsibility. I won the Champions at 37, it was my last opportunity. The only serious injury I had was at 39, everyone thought I would give up. But I didn’t want to end my career like that, I wanted to finish in front of the fans. I recovered in five months when it usually takes at least eight for an Achilles tendon rupture. After the injury I went on the pitch for 10 minutes and felt good. Then, after the match, in the shower I told myself I would play my last season. I could have continued, but for me it was better to retire while I was still well, without anyone telling me to. I never would have imagined such a career.”