Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has paid tribute to skipper Javier Zanetti after he played his 634th game for the club.

This figure of 634 allowed Zanetti to match the record set by legendary figure Giacinto Facchetti, but he still lags behind Beppe Bergomi's total of 758 appearances.

El Tractor was the first signing in President Moratti's reign at the club back in 1995 and has become their captain.

"Zanetti is the flag of this club. At the time when we bought him, everybody said he was a barely-known foreigner with a semi-Italian surname who would only last a few months," laughed the patron.

"Since then I have never known a player who has lasted as long with such consistency and love for the side.

"He has a formidable character and continues to play not like the first day he arrived - better than that.

"I hoped nobody would surpass Facchetti's record, but then Bergomi did it and now Javier is free to chase a new all-time best. He can do it."