Ranocchia: Let´s finish well for Zanetti

Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia has called on his team-mates to end the season on a high for injured captain Javier Zanetti.

The 39-year-old ruptured his Achilles tendon in the 1-0 defeat to Palermo and Ranocchia wants the squad to “give everything” in order to finish the season as strongly as possible for the veteran defender.

The Italian told Inter Channel: “There’s some sort of a curse – we’re losing a player to injury with every game. When you’re facing bad luck you need to hold
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firm and give even more.

“There are four tough games remaining and with this emergency situation they’re going to be difficult. We need to show heart and courage – and give everything we have inside of us.”

While many have suggested the injury may mean retirement for Zanetti, who joined the club in 1995 from Banfield, the Argentine disagrees and insists he can come back stronger.

“My goal is to come back stronger than before, and I believe (I can),” he said.

“Injuries can happen and they’re part of this profession. The most important thing is the team. We’ll decide when surgery will take place.

“They still haven’t given me the time scale involved, but my career certainly isn’t over.

“What matters is healing well. What I want most is to be back with my team-mates.”

Zanetti also said he was sorry for how the season has gone for the Nerazzurri but maintained he still believed UEFA Europa League qualification was achievable.

Inter find themselves in seventh spot, two positions off the final qualification place.