Zanetti: 'I'd leg press 500kg'

By Football Italia staff

Inter legend Javier Zanetti reveals the key to his extraordinary longevity. “I used to leg press 500kg. I could do 310kg with one leg.”

Although he is now the club’s Vice-President, Zanetti spent almost 20 years in the team, playing on until a month off his 41st birthday.

“Strength has always been a fundamental aspect in my career,” he told Fox Sports Italia.

“When I arrived in Italy in 1995, I started doing a lot of strength work, both with the team and on my own time. A player with strong muscles is more likely to prevent injuries and performs better.

“I always played twice a week, even from Sunday to Tuesday, but despite that would never miss my Monday strength training. Although usually after 48 hours you do feel tired, it made me feel better for the next game.

“I would bench press and had specific tests to work out which weight to lift during different periods of the season.

“I leg pressed 500kg and with one leg I managed to lift 310kg. I would naturally also alternate those with work on ‘explosions’ of pace. For example, Jose Mourinho really liked to work with the ball, with high intensity training based on hitting the brakes and changing direction.

“I believe that in modern football you need more than just a fitness coach, as there ought to be specialised figures who work on different areas, for example strength. There has to be collaboration and a wider vision of the situation.

“I did take time to rest too. After a game, I’d spend time in the pool, then a day later work on strength and posture.”

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow