Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/191652
52 Sport maltatoday, SUNDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2013 FOOTBALL Inter fans delight at Javier Zanetti's visit to Malta AS Inter Club Malta was gearing up for its 35th anniversary last August, President John Zammit hoped to get something special from Inter FC. His wish was to bring none other than Capitano Javier Zanetti to Malta – the club's most representative player and an idol to all Inter fans. This proved difficult at first, as Zanetti was in Argentina with his family and later joined the squad in America for some pre-season friendly matches. But Zammit couldn't believe his ears when he received a phone call from Sig. Sergio Spairani, the chief at the Centro Coordinamento of Inter Clubs, telling him that Zanetti could come to Malta from Sunday, 6 until Tuesday, 8 October for the club's birthday. Hence last Sunday, Zanetti – with all his family in tow and accompanied by Sergio Spairani – arrived at the Malta International Airport to find a VIP lounge packed with journalists, TV crews and photographers gearing up for a press conference, and then a huge crowd chanting his name at the Arrivals hall. In the evening, a Gala Dinner was organised at the Excelsior Hotel in his honour and also to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the club. More than 400 guests were present, and all had the chance to take a photo with the Capitano and have their Inter paraphernalia autographed. At the end of the activity, Zanetti was presented with a glass statue of a Maltese Knight. In return, he presented a big embroidered banner, marking the 35th anniversary. The following day, Monday, 7 October, another activity was organised for the numerous Inter fans in Malta. This was held in the Conference Centre of Hilton Malta where a large stage was erected and a crowd of some 500 people attended. Zanetti delivered a speech to all those present and the fans also had the opportunity to put questions to their idol. During this activity, a big cheque image of €5,000 was presented to the Caiptano for the PUPI Foundation. At the end, all the children present were invited to go on the stage to have their photo taken with Zanetti. Javier Zanetti left the island on Tuesday, 8 October, tired but very happy that he had fulfilled the dream of every Inter fan to see him live and have photos with him and especially making Inter Club Malta's dream come true. This was another big achievement for the club after being the only supporters' club in Malta to bring to our shores all the five major trophies won by Inter in 2010. Compliments are due to the club and their members for this perfectly organised stay in Malta of the Internazionale F.C. legend and idol, Javier Zanetti.