And by the way, having stayed in the Middle East, I know just how revered he is over there. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) Players like him, Nesta, Kaka, Sheva still are kings in these countries. While the rest of the world moved onto newer footballers, icons like the ones above still have a wild following.

Nope. Chelsea wanted him and Monaco as well, badly.

I think Man Utd wanted him as well. I'm sure there must have been more teams.


I could not agree with that when it comes to their footballing qualities. Zanetti has proved to be stronger physically and he's very consistent but Maldini in his prime (and that was for 15 years) was a far superior player than Zanetti ever was. You just have to see what his opponents have said about him and look at how all players would change wings during games to avoid him. At night he turns into a huge lion and... wait, I'm not sure about that last part. Zanetti has always been a great player who was respected but he was never feared as Maldini was. He has not been as a great a leader as Maldini either.

I respect Zanetti, even though he players for the wrong side and I hope he comes back.


That's not true, Milan had a few years in the late 90's when we were just awful. He could have gone then though I guess you're saying that he was at Milan and sooner or later they'd return to their winning ways which is true. But still, he was in his prime and would have probably found even more success with say RM.

I just think it's hard to claim loyalty when you're 1) playing for a top club, 2) winning everything there is and 3) getting paid by the millions every year. It's like when people say Giggs and Scholes or whoever are loyal, no, they're in about the best situation possible.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Apr 30 2013, 03:13 PM

+ a very high number.

I have no problem with Zanetti but there is no way he's on Maldini's level. Paolo was a better player, without a shadow of a doubt.

That could be a result of Inter's being loser for years. Maldini was part of a few different invincible teams, you can't underestimate that. I'm not saying they are on the EXACTLY same levels, Maldini edges Zanetti, but the difference is not that big at all in my eyes. just like you I watched them for years and technically, without letting external factors affect my opinion, I think they were about the same level. Zanetti was more about physicality (he's a true wall and didn't earn his nickname by accident) while Maldini was more technically gifted, more of an artist, but in the end what's the big difference? because it's not easy being either.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I agree.


I just can't agree with that, there's no doubt they were not on the same level in my view. I think Maldini was clearly better but when I'm saying that I don't mean the difference in quality is that of the difference between an amateur and a professional cause they're both obviously world class players. But there is undoubtedly a difference, if Zanetti is great Maldini was distinctly greater. This is obviously objective subjective but at the same time I'm totally right. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

As for his leadership and how his presence helped his teammates (and made them better), I can't think of a better example than the CL Semi 1st leg against United at Old Trafford in 2007. When he went out at halftime we looked quite lost, a different team. I don't think Zanetti at his prime was as big a loss if he would not play as Maldini would be. And that is again also about how Maldini was feared (obviously less in his last years). I don't think Zanetti ever was.

I only agree about the leadership bit. Maldini is the perfect example of a captain.

Remember that Botta guy Inter signed for next season who compared himself to Messi? Well, he was injured and he'll be out for 6 months. Guess there's no Messi for you now, Inter.

Guess they'll need to find somebody else to choke in the big games. /Kurt

Like Quaresma, the Next Ronaldo. oh wait...

The most important aspect of this bit of news is that everyone Inter touch is getting injured right now. This guy hasn't even physically joined the team yet he's already been effected by the Inter curse. I think their injuries this season rival those we've had to deal with last season

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Fiorentina-Roma tonight.

This post has been edited by X-Offender: May 4 2013, 07:57 PM