Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti has revealed that he was on the verge of signing for Real Madrid, but decided to stay at the San Siro after being handed the captain's armband.
The 40-year-old has been with the Nerazzurri for the last 18 years, becoming a great player and captain for Milan giants.
Zanetti was handed the Inter armband in 1999, but has claimed that he was about to join Los Merengues before taking on the responsibility.
Speaking to Video News, the Argentine said: "I was about to leave, for a very important team in Spain, such as Real Madrid.
"But if I had to leave, I wanted to leave a mark for Inter.
"Then I was given the captain's armband and it was a beautiful responsibility.
"Everything that came after that was something extraordinary."
Zanetti has won five Serie A titles with Inter, as well as the 2010 Champions League as part of an historic treble.
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| Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti was so close to leave the Nerazzurri for Real Madrid Photo: Getty Images |
The 40-year-old has been with the Nerazzurri for the last 18 years, becoming a great player and captain for Milan giants.
Zanetti was handed the Inter armband in 1999, but has claimed that he was about to join Los Merengues before taking on the responsibility.
Speaking to Video News, the Argentine said: "I was about to leave, for a very important team in Spain, such as Real Madrid.
"But if I had to leave, I wanted to leave a mark for Inter.
"Then I was given the captain's armband and it was a beautiful responsibility.
"Everything that came after that was something extraordinary."
Zanetti has won five Serie A titles with Inter, as well as the 2010 Champions League as part of an historic treble.
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