The tale of a Hero, our Captain...

Life is full of highs and lows, and there is often nothing sadder than saying goodbye to someone you love and admire. As cruel it is to bid farewell to a person who has been nothing short of a god, it is a time where one has the choice of roiling in anguish or to simply accept that all good things have to come to an end. I choose to be the latter. Javier Zanetti has played his last home game, and I would like to honour, in my humble way, the person who has been a epitome of hope, courage and sacrifice, a paragon of virtue and respect, a constant presence in good times and bad, the person who I admire most in this whole wide world, Javier Adelmar Zanetti.

To paraphrase the poem Invictus, "I thank whatever gods may be, for giving the world Javier Zanetti." For everything he has given me, and to the world, I would just like to say Grazie Capitano... Thank you for everything.

 Since I wish to spread his greatness to everyone, I will not only quote footballing statistics and records. He is much more than a football player, he is a reminder to us all that all is not misery and darkness in this big, bad world. He is an example of how a person should live his life on his own terms and of sparing no effort in doing what you do, and at the age of 40, he is hanging up his boots.

Watching him for the past ten years has been nothing short of a privilege. His galloping runs, his elegant tackles and his impeccable positioning might never be seen again. He stuck with his beloved team through the darkest of times, and like a phoenix, he emerged, victorious. Nothing could have been sweeter than seeing him holding the Champions League trophy aloft. He could have let it go to his head, he could have thought himself above everyone, but he didn't, instead choosing to train even harder to build on his success. He is the archetypal captain and a true gentleman, on and off the field. His personal life is as impeccable as his hair and his belief in sharing his good fortune with everyone is seen through his foundation, Pupi, which helps underprivileged children in his native country of Argentina. He is, in short, everything a person should aspire to be.

There are many reasons why he is considered to be a living legend, but mostly it is his loyalty and longevity that have enamored the people of him. In a world where people are increasingly resorting to any means possible to get rich, it is a breath of fresh air to see a man who chooses to value loyalty instead. His 19 years of playing for my beloved club, and his determination and consistency have set him apart from the rest and etched his name in my heart for as long as I live. He gives his heart and soul irrespective of the importance of the match. There have been few players who can be considered in his league, but the difference, in my opinion, is reciprocal admiration between him and us fans. There has never been an instance when he has been booed or jeered, nor has anyone ever said anything bad about him, which in football is rarer than snow in July. He has won the unanimous admiration of his peers and coaches by just being who he is, a Gentleman. There have been no scandals, no drawn out contract negotiations and no demands from him. He simply chooses to do his talking on the field of play, and boy, can he talk!

His autobiography, Giocare Da Uomo (Play Like a Man), tells the story of a man with humble beginnings, who refused to stop believing, and after going through many hardships, finally got what he dreamed of and deserved. I have never seen such fervent dedication and determination. For example, the morning after he got married, he got up early in the morning and went to train! He did not let his focus waver and though anyone would have forgiven him for not showing up, he proved that he is, and always will be, a professional through and through. I just wish I had a tithe of his determination and sense of purpose!   

Last year, he suffered a major injury and many people, and I am ashamed to admit it, even I, thought that he would not return to playing. But this is not a mere mortal we are talking about, this is Superman himself! He vowed to return and even though the doctors said it would not be wise and it would take at least eight months, he just did what he does best, defy logic. He was up and running in almost half that time, and he made good on his promise to end his career on his own terms.

It seems that even the Gods favour him, because his farewell could not have been more perfect. The match was won 4-1 (coincidentally, his jersey number is 4, just saying) and he was given a roaring ovation not only by the faithful tifosi but also by the opposition. A special jersey (Javier 4 Ever) and captain's armband were made for this occasion. His every touch of the ball was applauded and he made several of his trademark gallops. Every Inter player played his heart out to give our leader the farewell he so richly deserved. The fans' love was evident when one of them ran out into the field, tears in his eyes, to give a hug to Zanetti. Till then, I was containing my emotions, but seeing him hug the fan and escorting him off the field freed the cascade of tears in my eyes.

 Yes, I cried.

 It was then that the truth sank in: this was the last time I would see Zanetti grace the hallowed grounds of the Giuseppe Meazza, the last time I would see my hero in his element, doing what he does best. I just wish I had seen him play at the stadium, but that is sadly going to remain just a dream. But this is not a moment to think of what could have been, this is a time to celebrate the very existence of this Legend.

I am happy to say that he has won everything that can be won, and if it had not been for the crass commercialisation of the sport, he would have gotten the recognition that he deserves. However it is also a source of great joy that he won so many trophies and that I was privileged enough to be alive to see him play and win!

If I were a painter, I would paint Javier Zanetti, if I were a sculptor, I would make a statue of Javier Zanetti and if I were a singer, I would write songs about Javier Zanetti. That is how much I admire him, and I am sure that I am not the only one who feels this. Yes, it is sad to see him leave, but it is even more joyful to think that there exists such a person, who transcends rivalries and enmities, who gave us almost twenty beautiful years of football and someone who makes me want to be a better person every day of my life.

His career will end in the same way as he started it, on his own terms, like a Man. The words Giocare Da Uomo will be a constant source of inspiration for me, and I will never, ever forget the goosebumps I get every time he plays!

Forza Pupi, you may be retiring, but you will have a place in our hearts forever! Grazie Mille Il nostro Capitano.