Inter midfielder Hernanes has praised outgoing Nerazzurri captain Javier Zanetti, saying the Argentine has motivated him to follow his example.
Inter midfielder Hernanes has praised outgoing Nerazzurri captain Javier Zanetti, saying the Argentine has motivated him to follow his example.
The 40-year-old made his final appearance at San Siro during the club’s 4-1 win over Lazio” data-scaytid=”5″>Lazio last Saturday and the Brazilian paid tribute to his fellow South American.
“I see that he is 40 years old and he continues to always work his hardest in training,” Hernanes said during an interview with Sky Sport 24. “He always makes sure he is ready to play.
“What he has made me think about is all the sacrifices he has made in order to maintain his physical and mental shape.
“During his farewell I saw the affection and the respect the fans, the club and everyone have for the captain.
“It has given me even more motivation, he has motivated me.”
The 28-year-old also reflected on his call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad this summer, with his country set to host the tournament.
“It has given me a crazy joy because it was the task of a lifetime for me to get into this group.
“I am very happy and proud to have reached this moment of my career. For a Brazilian player, playing in the World Cup for the national team on home soil is the best of the best.
“Kaka’s exclusion? When I played video games when I was younger, he was already a champion and I called him the monster!
“For me he will always remain a great player. It wasn’t a surprise that he wasn’t included.
“I think Scolari has built up his team little by little and this decision is in keeping with the others he has made over time.”