Ranocchia should be new Inter captain - Zanetti

The Nerazzurri legend believes the centre-back has the leadership qualities to succeed him and would feel honoured if his No.4 jersey was retired

Former Inter captain Javier Zanetti, who retired from football after the 2013-14 season to end a 15-year stint as skipper of the Italian giants, says he would choose Andrea Ranocchia to replace him in the role next season.


Ranocchia, 26, has cemented himself as a first-team regular since joining Inter from Genoa in 2011 and Zanetti believes the defender has the leadership qualities to captain Walter Mazzarri's men.
"Andrea knows the value of the Nerazzurri [Inter] shirt and in my opinion, he could be the right man when it comes to making this decision," the 40-year-old told Sky Sport 24.
"He is always available and everyone listens to him.
"In my opinion he could do very well."
Zanetti, who has stated his desire to take up a non-playing role at Inter following his retirement, also offered his view on whether his famous No.4 shirt should be retired.
"People within the club are talking about retiring my shirt and if it happens it would be a great honour for me.
"But I don't want to enforce anything," he added.