Zanetti wants to extend stay at Inter

Inter captain Javier Zanetti has said he wants to continue to play at the club, despite their new desire to focus on the youth.

The Argentine is contracted to Inter until June, but it remains to be seen whether he will be offered a new contract before the expiry of his current one.

Speaking to FC Inter News, the 39-year-old said: “My idea is to play next season.

“I want to continue my career as a player.

“I’ll speak with President Massimo Moratti and the club to understand their plans.”

Inter, who are currently in fifth place, are said to be prepared to focus on their younger players in order to freshen up the squad this summer.

“Inter have a lot of young players in their sights who could give us a big helping hand.

“That is the path to follow.

“You’ll need to give them time to construct something important.

“And even the young players who are already here won’t have any problems next season after having the experience of this one.”

Another Argentine, Sampdoria’s Mauro Icardi, is said to be monitored by Inter.

Should he come to the Milanese club this summer, he may join veteran Zanetti who is first in Inter’s all time appearance list.