Zanetti backs Ranocchia for captaincy

By Football Italia staff

Javier Zanetti believes Andrea Ranocchia would be an excellent choice to replace him as Inter captain.

The recently retired 40-year-old wore the Nerazzurri armband for 15 years, taking over from Giuseppe Bergomi back in 1999.

Speaking to Sky Sport 24 today, the Argentine was asked for his opinion on who his successor should be.

“Andrea knows the value of the Nerazzurri shirt and, in my opinion, he could be the right man when it comes to making this decision,” Zanetti replied.

“He is always available and everyone listens to him. In my opinion he could do very well.”

The former midfielder was also asked about his future at Inter, where he will now take up a non-playing role, as well as plans by the San Siro giants to retire his number four jersey.

“Now I want to use my experience to represent this club and continue learning every day, so that I can come to know the various departments of the club in which I can help.

“Studying English? I was already doing it, I think now it’s part of the growth of anyone behind the scenes, even though nothing has been decided in terms of the role I will have.

“My relationship with Inter will continue and we will see what happens.

“People within the club are talking about this [the shirt retirement] and in the event that it happens it would be a great honour for me. But I don’t want to enforce anything.”

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