June 5 (5 June) -- The names of Zanetti, Zamorano, Ronaldo and Luigi Simeone are not only engraved in Inter's history, but also remain on the list of goals in the memorable final on 6 May 1998, when Inter won their third UEFA Cup on that magical night. Javier Sanetti and Ivan Zamorano are guests on today's "Inter Calling", and this episode begins with the remembrance of Luigi Simeone:
Zanetti recalled: "Simone was always there, he was like a father because when he talked to you, he always gave you the right advice, he was kind, kind and I liked him. I remember the atmosphere in our team was good, everyone was united, we were close, like a family, this is Inter, Inter will always be a big family. When I think of the UEFA Cup, I think of that final in Paris: not only because of the victory, but also because the coach gave a lot for all of us to be able to win trophies. I think all of us will remember his character, his sincerity, because he was a gentleman, a man with a great heart. ”
Zamorano also shared his memories:
"He made the club like a big family and helped Inter achieve a dream to win the UEFA Cup in 97/98. He's not only a great coach, but a great guy and it's not easy to do that in a team with a lot of championship players, but we all work together to achieve our goals. We have fond memories of Simone: he poured all his efforts into the family. Personally, Simeone made me play well in the most important games of the League Cup and having a coach like him was very helpful for me because he always encouraged me and he made me a better version of me. ”
That evening at the Parc des Princes and the three goals against Lazio in that final were memorable, as Zanetti put it:
"I also scored a goal after Ivan (Zamorano)'s header and that goal gave us some comfort because Lazio was good in the game and it wasn't an easy game. But we were so eager to succeed, we wanted to win the game and bring the UEFA Cup back to Milan, and in the end we did it! In the final, we were facing a very aggressive team and their defence was also very strong. It's clear that their coach wants to be able to win that game as well. ”
In that match, Zamorano scored first, and Ronaldo's incredible goal sealed the victory:
"Only Ronaldo can score that goal. He can do a lot of incredible things, for me he's the strongest Number 9 in the world, and that goal can show everything he has: speed and magic. Ronaldo is a prodigy and I'm a pack horse, so we can complement each other very well because in every great team, there needs to be both technical players and team players. That's how I play, and the fans see me as a warrior. Of course, I also have some abilities, especially my headers, but I want people to remember me because I'm a guy who always gives my all on the pitch and does my best for every ball. ”
Zanetti said: "The same is true of the big Luo in my heart, it is difficult for us to forget his tears, but what impressed him most was his wonderful goals after another, and his indomitable character. I firmly believe that if it were not for injuries, he would have had a more brilliant career. ”
(Editor: Yao Fan)