DOHA (Qatar): Former Inter Milan and Argentina star Javier Zanetti praised the efforts by the Qatar Stars League (QSL) to popularise football’s growth in the country.
The 46-year-old, who was in the Qatari capital to attend a football seminar, said that there’s a remarkable rise in professionalism in the QSL.
He was speaking on the sidelines of a football programme titled ‘Managing A Successful Career in Football’.
Zanetti achieved remarkable successes at Inter during which he won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, Club World Cup, Italian Cup four times, Italian League five times and Italian Super Cup four times.
The former defensive midfielder represented his country at two FIFA World Cup (1998 & 2002).
After his playing career was over in 2014, Inter Inter retired his No.4 jersey and named him as its vice-president.
Zanetti spoke on career, success, difficulties and challenges at Inter Milan.
How do you view your participation in the seminar?
It was very positive and I could meet footballers and many members of Qatari clubs. The aim was to share some of the experiences I had as a football player during my career. I hope to help the players during their career or after their retirement as players.
How do you see local competitions?
There’s a remarkable rise in professionalism in the QSL, both on and off the pitch. It’s great to have excellent infrastructure in place. It was amazing to see top-class facilities in Qatar and all that augurs well for the game’s further development of the game in this country. The people involved in football are great professionals as well.
How do you look forward to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar?
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will certainly be a catalyst for great change. I’m eagerly looking forward to the tournament. It’ll be a fantastic experience for all those associated with the game.
