Zanetti: “Champions League is very important to me”

Cristiano Zanetti hopes to prove his critics from 13 years ago wrong in his second stab at Fiorentina. “Perhaps 13 years ago this club did not give me much consideration,” said the midfielder who started his career in their youth system. He was sold and went on to a successful career with Venezia, Reggiana, Inter, Cagliari, Roma and Juventus.

Now he is back and already in the Viola squad for the Champions League play-off against Sporting Lisbon. “The Champions League is very important to me and I am here to take part in that competition. The moment I got here, I saw an excellent side that has done very well in the last two years. “We will have a great season and I want to aim for the top, as I always have done in my career.” Zanetti had harsh words for Juventus, who considered him to be ‘finished’ as a player following a series of injuries. “I am in good shape and hope to stay that way. I met the medical staff and they are very well trained.” Some say the veteran is in Florence as an alternative to Riccardo Montolivo, but Zanetti does not see it that way. “I can play alongside anyone. Montolivo is a great player and as always the decisions are down to the Coach.”