‘I’m not thinking about retirement’ - Javier Zanetti

Inter's most successful captain, Javier Zanetti, arrived this afternoon for a two-day stay in Malta.

Upon his arrival, hundreds of local supporters welcomed the 40-year old captain, currently out injured, with several chorus including "C'e solo un Capitano" (there's only one captain).

In comments given to the media, Zanetti said he had a good impression of Malta after his first arrival way back in 2002. On that occasion, Inter played a friendly against a Maltese selection to inaugurate the Millenium stand.

Asked by MaltaToday whether this was his last season before retiring from football, Zanetti said he believes he still has something to offer to the game and is only concentrating in recovering from the injury to help Inter's cause this season.

In the past, Zanetti said he was willing in becoming a top-ranked club official, but with Inter soon to be acquired by Indonesian tycoon Erick Thohir, will this still be a possibility?

"I'm currently focusing on giving my best on the ground. For the future it's still premature, but Inter knows that I will always be there for the good of the club." He denied any interest in taking a coaching role.

Zanetti will attend a gala dinner at the Hotel Excelsior tonight, while tomorrow he will address local supporters at the Portomaso suite. Proceedings from both activities will go towards PUPI, a charitable foundation founded by Zanetti himself with the aim of helping disadvantaged children in Argentina.

Zanetti's wife Paula and their children are also accompanying Inter's captain during this visit.

The visit is coordinated by Inter Club Malta.

Javier Zanetti joined Inter in 1995 and throughout this period won a total of sixteen trophies, fifteen of which under his captaincy. He is currently recovering from a severe injury.

With his 834 official matches for the club, he tops Inter's all-time appearances list.