Mourning at Inter: Rodolfo, father of Javier Zanetti, has passed away | OneFootball

The Nerazzurri family gathers around its vice president Javier Zanetti, who has been struck by a grave loss. In recent hours, his father Rodolfo has passed away, a central figure in the life of the former Inter captain. The club announced the sad news through an official statement.

Mourning in the Inter household: Rodolfo, father of Javier Zanetti, has passed away

In a note published this morning, the club expressed its closeness to Zanetti in this moment of sorrow: “Inter expresses its condolences and stands by Vice President Javier Zanetti for the passing of his father Rodolfo. He receives the embrace of the entire Nerazzurri family and the Ownership.”

A sober yet intense message, reflecting the affection and respect that the club and fans hold for one of the most representative symbols in Inter’s history.

Origins and the bond with family

The relationship between Javier and his father has always been deep, founded on simple and solid values. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Zanetti has often spoken about the fundamental role his parents played in his personal and sporting growth.

In an interview with the Argentine daily Clarin, the former captain recalled the day when, during a dinner in the family kitchen, he told his parents about the decision that would change everyone’s life: to become a professional footballer. It was at that moment that Rodolfo understood his son’s future would no longer be on construction sites, but on football fields.

“I remember the airport was full of friends,” Javier recounted. “Everyone was in tears. I told them: ‘Wait, I’m not leaving forever.’ Even though I always come back, I ended up living there…”

That journey to Italy, undertaken together with his mother Violeta and father Rodolfo, marked the beginning of a new story, one that would lead Javier to become a Nerazzurri legend.

Another painful farewell

Today’s pain brings back memories of another difficult moment for Zanetti. In 2011, he lost his mother Violeta Bonazzola, who passed away suddenly in her sleep. Even then, Inter became the spokesperson for the tragedy, expressing its closeness to its historic captain.

With Rodolfo’s death, Javier Zanetti also loses the last family pillar who had accompanied him through the decisive stages of his career and private life.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.