Javier Zanetti needs no introduction in football. He won almost everything with Inter Milan during a career that spanned almost two decades.

He achieved remarkable successes in his Inter stint during which he won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, Club World Cup, Italian Cup four times, Italian League five times and Italian Super Cup four times. He also represented Argentina in two World Cups before retiring in 2014.

Such was the popularity and influence of Zanetti at Inter that the club retired his No.4 jersey and named him as its vice-president after his playing career.

At a seminar organised by the Qatar Stars League, in partnership with Josoor Institute titled ‘Managing A Successful Career in Football’, Zanetti spoke about his beginning, successes, difficulties and challenges with Inter Milan.

In an interview with qsl.qa, he gave his takes on various topics, including the QNB Stars League.

How do you view your participation in the seminar?

It was very positive and I could meet footballers and many members of Qatari clubs. The aim was to share some of the experiences I had as a football player during my career. I hope to help the players during their career or after their retirement as players.

How do you see local competitions?

There’s a remarkable rise in professionalism in the QNB Stars League, both on and off the pitch. It’s great to have excellent infrastructure in place. It was amazing to see top-class facilities in Qatar and all that augurs well for the game’s further development of the game in this country. The people involved in football are great professionals as well.

How do you look forward to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar?

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will certainly be a catalyst for great change. I’m eagerly looking forward to the tournament. It’ll be a fantastic experience for all those associated with the game.