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Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti reflects on iconic San Siro as club prepares for new stadium

Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti reflects on iconic San Siro as club prepares for new stadium
Photo by IMAGO/ LaPressex

The future of the San Siro has been in the balance for a number of years, but the fate of the famous old stadium was sealed at the end of 2025, when it was revealed that AC Milan and Inter Milan had purchased the ground from the city of Milan in order to demolish it.

Both clubs have agreed to build a new stadium in its place, one that is a) fitting of what came before and b) up to scratch with the best modern stadia in the world.

The two clubs are expected to continue playing at the stadium for at least a couple more seasons, but the thought of the San Siro being no more is already having an impact on those who called the stadium home during their careers.

Zanetti looks to the past to steer the future

Javier Zanetti is one of the biggest icons in the history of Inter Milan, and as the current Vice President, he was almost certain played a part in drawin to the conclusion of a full rebuild.

In an interview with Sky Sports earlier this week, the former defender explained why the decision to demolish the San Siro was made and what his hopes are for the club's new stadium. He said:

“The Meazza will always be a stadium that brings back memories. And it has brought many victories. My favourite match was my debut match. Icould never have imagined it would be the first of 858 matches.

“Everything has changed. I believe that a world-class team like Inter needs a new, state-of-the-art stadium. The important thing is that it's still at San Siro. I hope we'll be able to create something special.”

Full details of the rebuild are yet to be released, but fans should expect more concrete timelines at some point this year.

FGG: Nostalgia can be poison

It's so easy to fall into the trap of nostalgia, so in many ways, it's good to see that both Milan clubs have taken emotion out of the equation and chosen to create something that could help them become part of Europe's elite once again. I, for one, cannot wait to see what they new version of the San Siro will look like.

Andy is a freelance sports writer with ten years of experience covering major sporting events across Europe. He has also been a season ticket holder at Old Trafford since 2008 and has visited over 40 football stadiums in the United Kingdom and abroad following the Reds.

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