Argentina’s fourth highest goalscorer in history, Hernan Crespo, proved himself time and again in Italy, which he made out to be his second home. The Buenos Aires born forward began his career at Argentine giants River Plate, but soon found himself conquering Serie A pitches with his classy technique, goalscoring prowess and game intelligence.
He first moved to Parma and then to Lazio, before etching himself into the limelight with Inter. He also starred for city rivals Milan, albeit only for one season – 2004/05 – wherein he reinstated himself among the best strikers in the world, mainly thanks with his two-goal display in the historic Champions League defeat at the hands of Liverpool in Athens.
On the day on the Coppa Italia Milan derby, Crespo spoke to the microphones of La Gazzetta dello Sport (via FCInterNews) and reminisced his two beloved captains who backed him during his time on both sides of the Milan divide.
When quizzed on what kind of captain was Maldini for him, the ex-striker said: I was only there for one season at Milan, but he was the first to help me settle in. I came from a difficult period, with too many injuries. I remember his words of encouragement fondly.”
However, it was Javier Zanetti who Crespo played under longer at San Siro – spending four seasons with the Nerazzurri.
“We grew up together in Argentina, even if not in the same team. But we shared the youth national teams. It was a symbol. It is not easy, as a foreigner, to become the captain of an Italian team. He succeeded thanks to his commitment. and the style he has always known how to convey to the club and to the fans,” he praised the legendary wing-back.
He also remembered their time together in the Inter and Argentina locker rooms. when asked about any particular episodes.
He said: “Not just one, but many. The funny thing is that when we were in the locker room together and we got angry, we didn’t speak in our native Spanish, but in Italian! Pupi, I always call him that, he was also my captain in the national team. He helped me a lot everywhere.”
Crespo’s glittering career saw him conquer three consecutive Scudetti with the Nerazzurri, from 2006 to 2009. He also managed to win various other domestic accolades with Parma, Lazio and Milan.