Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterIt was always going to take something special to displace Javier Zanetti from his full-back role at Inter.The Argentina international spent 19 years at the club he joined in 1995 - 13 of them as captain.But after in 2006, after over a decade playing in the wide defensive berth, Zanetti was forced into an abrupt change of position...and one that, in the circumstances, he was only too happy to accommodate, particularly as it helped the side to their famous 2010 treble.Zanetti told FourFourTwo: "Maicon was a full-back with the soul of a striker."When opponents sat deep and shut up shop, he always found a way to thread through the gaps. You may like Andres Iniesta on his rise to becoming an all-time great John Obi Mikel opens up on his transfer tug of war with Chelsea and the Red Devils Dimitar Berbatov opens up on his career as a cult hero "When Jose Mourinho arrived, he moved me into midfield so we could both operate down the right flank together."He knew that when he pushed forward, I had his back, and the other way around."Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Zanetti also had the pleasure of playing alongside another one of the great full-backs of the era: Real Madrid icon Roberto Carlos.He only spent one season at Inter, but what a player!", Zanetti said."Like Maicon, he was a quintessential Brazilian full-back."Brazil has produced the greatest full-backs in history,"On the left, Branco, Roberto Carlos, Marcelo, and on the right, Caf, Maicon, Dani Alves"Not bad, is it?TOPICSMaiconJavier ZanettiRoberto CarlosInterBrazilSteven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.With contributions fromFlorent Torchut
