Javier Zanetti celebrated his 800th appearance for Inter with a crucial 2-0 victory over Romanian side Vaslui in their Europa League play-off first leg.
The Argentine joined the Nerazzurri from Banfield
in 1995, before taking over the captaincy in 1999, and now holds the
record for most appearances for both his club and country.
Speaking
to Inter's official website, Zanetti spoke of his pride at having
captained his side to victory in Europe and at achieving his latest
landmark.
"I feel happy and very proud to have reached such an
important milestone and to have done so at a prestigious club like
Inter, even more so as captain," he said.
"The most important
thing for me is to feel like I'm helping the team. This evening
[Thursday] we got a very good result but we can't think we're already
through.
"Vaslui are a big side and they're good going forward, so we need to be careful."
The
Inter defender has experienced highs and lows during his 17-year stint
at the Giuseppe Meazza, but he admitted he holds a couple of memories
dear to his heart.
"There are lots of moments," he continued.
"Perhaps two in particular: the night before I made my Inter debut,
because I saw San Siro as being so far away that the thought of being a
part of it was like a dream to me.
"The other one was the night
before the Champions League final - the target we had been aiming for
for so long and which we finally achieved with that unforgettable
triumph."
Zanetti has also been encouraged by Inter's latest
signings, and believes new boss Andrea Stramaccioni can turn the side's
fortunes around after last season's disappointing campaign.
"A new project is starting up with lots of youngsters and experienced players such as myself," he added.
"There's
so much enthusiasm around the place and we can't wait to get stuck into
the games that matter so that we can show everyone that we're in with a
shout too."
Zanetti will hang up his boots at the end of the season, but he is hungrier than ever to bring success back to Inter.
"My
main concern will be having a big season with my team-mates, trying to
do my bit for the cause at all times - especially in the difficult
times.
"Come the end of the season I hope to see myself lift a
trophy or two. Then there will be time to spend with my family and think
about what will happen," he concluded.
Inter begin the new Serie A season away at Pescara on Sunday.