Javier Zanetti

Javier Adelmar Zanetti (born August 10, 1973) is an Argentine football defender who plays for Serie A club Internazionale , of which he has been part since 1995 and the captain since 1999. He is the most capped player in the history of the Argentine national team, as well as their current captain, and has played in the 1996 Olympic tournament and in two World Cups, in 1998 and 2002. Known as Pupi in Argentina , he was nicknamed Il Trattore (The Tractor) after moving to Italy because of his strength, resilience, stamina and his ability to run past opposing defenders when joining the attack from his right back position. Well known for his versatility, he is able to switch between defense and midfield easily. Besides being a reliable and solid defender, he is also an expert penalty taker. Zanetti has won three Serie A titles with Inter, and since becoming their captain he is also referred to by team supporters and media as Il Capitano (The Captain). He has appeared in more than 600 Serie A matches for the club, which is the highest all-time total among non-Italian born players. Zanetti, who plans to retire with Inter and continue to work with the club thereafter, is also notable for his charitable work, running a foundation to benefit disadvantaged children in Argentina. He has been named an ambassador for the SOS Children's Villages project in Argentina by FIFA, and in 2005 he received the Ambrogino d'Oro award from the Milan townhall for his social initiative