Manchester City fullback Pablo Zabaleta has paid tribute to Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti.

Zabaleta has succeeded Zanetti in the Argentina national team.

"I've always admired him a lot. He's a reference to my role. From the first contact I had with him at the World Cup of Korea-Japan 2002, we have a good relationship.

"I remember I asked him for his shirt and he gave it to me. It was a beautiful gesture, the best memory I have of him.

"He's a person predisposed to dialogue and work," said Zanetti.