Javier Zanetti: Inter Milan veteran signs new one-year deal

Javier Zanetti

Injured Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti has signed a one-year contract extension until 2014 to take his stay at the San Siro past his 40th birthday.

The Argentina defender is Inter's record appearance maker, having played more than 840 times for the club.

He is currently sidelined until October at least after his ruptured Achilles tendon was operated on last season.

"We talked at length about the injury and decided to do another year," said Zanetti, who joined the club in 1995.

"They have shown once again their belief in me and my passion for Inter.

"I am doing everything I can to come back fit and healthy, and to be ready for the coach and my team-mates."

The Buenos Aires-born 39-year-old holds the all-time records for most appearances for both Inter (847) and Argentina (145).

During his 18-year stay at the San Siro, he has won the Serie A title five times, the Coppa Italia four times, the Uefa Cup once and the Champions League once - that during the historic treble campaign of 2009-10 under Jose Mourinho.

Zanetti, whose debut season in Serie A after joining Inter from Banfield in 1995 was partly played under now England manager Roy Hodgson, last featured for the Nerazzurri in the 1-0 defeat by Palermo in April.

Despite their pedigree, Inter will not be involved in European competition next season after finishing ninth in the Italian top flight under Andrea Stramaccioni, who has since been replaced by former Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri.