Record-breaking Zanetti wracks up 139 straight games

Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti will wrack up 139 consecutive appearances dating back three years when he plays against Catania on Saturday night.

And the 36-year-old Argentine revealed his secret is in his training, having not even taken a break on his wedding day.

“I was in Argetina during a break in the championship and as ever I did some training,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I’ve never cheated on (my wife) but I was like this when she met me and she chose me warts and all.”

Zanetti’s run of games is all the more remarkable given his age but the Argentine is almost never injured or suspended — his last red card was more than 10 years ago — and continues to be an integral part of the Italian champions’ midfield.

And it is his example that Inter coach Jose Mourinho is hoping will rub off on youger players such as Mario Balotelli.

Mourinho criticised Balotelli in his Friday press conference saying that after a good performance last weekend against Genoa, he trained badly during the week.

Mourinho added that Balotelli would play against Catania but only because he has a striker crisis and has no other options.

Zanetti had some advice for the young Italian, saying he needed to realise the opportunity he has been given.

“Mario is someone who listens, he’s young, has phenomenal potential, has the right to make mistakes but also has the duty to capitalise on the incredible luck he has,” he said.

“Not many people have the chance to grow, make mistakes and learn at a club like Inter, surrounded by great players who never deny him advice or a pat on the back, the coach included.

“Because Mourinho is always the first to encourage him and you can’t say he hasn’t given him time or opportunities.”

It is Balotelli’s attitude that has always been in question rather than his ability and he could do a lot worse than learning from his club captain.

Zanetti will join Inter legend Giacinto Facchetti on 476 Serie A appearances for Inter on Saturday night, putting him joint second in the club’s all-time list behind Giuseppe Bergomi.

And Zanetti revealed his secret is quite simply dedication.

“You need the luck of not having physical problems or even catching the flu but then it’s all down to hard work,” he said.

“I approach every training session as if it was a final or a derby. It’s during the week that you make your professional luck.”