Javier Zanetti is not only a great football player who has taken Inter Milan and the Argentine team to their highest level. “Pupi” Zanetti is also a visionary who has joined the world of digital art through NFTs together with our platform, StadioPlus.
● You were one of the most prominent players in Inter’s historic triplet, which will now be immortalized in a digital work. What did you think of the idea when it was raised to you?
The idea seemed great and innovative to me. The truth is that I had read something but still did not know the whole world of digital art and the infinite opportunities that arise from there! So it seemed like a very good opportunity to explore a world that until then, we had not known.
● What did the year of the triplet mean for you on a personal and professional level?
The year 2010 was one of the most important of my life! On a professional level I had the greatest joy, winning everything with Inter. Something that no one in Italy had achieved and that will remain in history forever. I had the honor of being the Captain and playing almost every game! And personally it was also a great year… Learning from each experience and maturing off the field.
● Do you think that sport is art? Why?
Yes, it is an art form… Because the athlete creates… and all the freedom of creation becomes art. So yeah… Then there are some more artists than others! Or are they going to tell me that Leo Messi is not a great artist? Hahahaha.
● How did you find out about the world of NFTs?
The culprit was Luis, Luis Scola. One afternoon in February/March he began to tell us everything that was happening in the world of basketball, especially in the NBA, and in the USA in general and we began to read and inform ourselves trying to understand this new world. Moreover, from there, many things began to come to me from the world of NFTs but when he began to tell, we looked at him strangely from the amazing things he was telling.
● How do you expect the work to be after meeting the artist Javier Arrés?
I saw his works and that style mixed with the world of football seemed to me something super original and unique. You see it right away and you associate it with his work! So I take this opportunity to thank Javier Arrés because he decided to join in this beautiful project and donate part of his work to the PUPI Foundation.
● Why do you think digital art is on the rise?
I see it in my children. It is the new generation that expresses itself through computers. I think it gives the artist endless opportunities to express themselves and the public to get to that art! I think that’s the point, where it becomes easier to get to digital art from any corner of the planet.
● Tell us what attracted you to StadioPlus. Why did you decide to be part of the project?
Together with StadioPlus we decided to put these works in favor of the PUPI Foundation and for 20 years now that everything that can be done to collaborate with the Foundation’s projects I say ”I’m here”. So let me also thank you here, for having thought and collaborated with my Foundation.
● How do you think NFT technology can help the world of sports?
It can turn historical moments into unique pieces, it can help fans feel closer to their idols, it creates new horizons… I think it can help! That everything adds up….
● Part of the proceeds from this NFT will go to the PUPI Foundation. Can you tell us a little more about this project?
Yes, as always, I take the opportunity to send them to our website www.fundaciónpupi.org to get to know us and see how we work. This year we have been working in Argentina for 20 years on various projects. We use the tool of sport but of course it is not the only one. We have helped thousands of children to create an alternative life in one of the most vulnerable areas on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Our model is being replicated in other cities such as Mar del Plata for example and we are always growing and carrying out new projects to help more and more.
