Javier Zanetti signed contract extension until 2013
Javier Zanetti, the Inter captain, has signed a new deal which will keep him at San Siro until 2013.
Javier Zanetti
The emblematic captain had a contract that was set to expire in 2011 but he was offered a new deal.
Zanetti came at Inter in 1995 and since then he made over 700 appearences with “The Nerazzurri”. The veteran player has the advantage that he can play on almost every position at midfield or in defence. His leadership qualities, his devotion for the club and not at last his work rate and skills have earned him a new contract.
Most of the Inter fans say that he never had a bad game and indeed that rarely happens.
The 36 years old was not included into Argentina squad for the World Cup by Maradona.
Is Santon the new Javier Zanetti?
After winning the scudetto with Inter under-17 last season, Santon was called up by Mourinho to train with the first squad for the first time at the end of July.
Six months later Mourinho rewarded the talented youngster with a starting role in Coppa Italia quarter-final against Roma. Inter won the game with 2-1 and since then Santon started all Inter games in the detriment of Maxwell.
Santon used to play as an attacking midfielder but later was used as a full-back by Inter Primavera coach. The youngster received only words of praise from his coach, Jose Mourinho, and his team-mates.
Javier Zanetti thinks he has a great future ahead: “He just needs to keep down this road, he has undisputed qualities which he also displays in training. He is also good at listening to our advices and I wish him all the best for a great career. He has what it takes to become an amazing footballer.”
If he continues to develop like this and Mourinho use him regularly Santon has the potential to be better that Zanetti. Considering his tactical versatility Santon can play on several positions , where the coach needs him at the time.
His physically and attacking qualities are also a plus. All this could make him the best full-back in the near future.
The youngster has also a great personality which is very appreciated by Mourinho but not only.
Santon continues to win admiration and could play his first senior derby next week when Inter will face Milan. If Mourinho will use him and he will have again a apreciated evolution then it will be very hard for Maxwell to regain his place.