Inter Milan legend Javier Zanetti temporarily blocked from Champions League draw after forgetting his credentials… before convincing security he is the club’s vice-president

  • Zanetti was seen begging security to be allowed to watch the last 16 draw
  • The 2010 Champions League winning captain was eventually allowed to watch
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Inter Milan legend and vice-president Javier Zanetti was forced to plead security to attend the Champions League last 16 draw after forgetting his accreditation.

Footage has emerged of the former Argentina defender attempting to take part in the event at UEFA headquarters in Nyon on Monday.

A security official outside the draw is heard asking for Zanetti's accreditation before allowing the Inter official into the room.

Zanetti was seen without his identification to take part in the draw, with the former defender initially appearing annoyed at being denied entry.

The 50-year-old was heard speaking to the official and insisting he was Inter's vice-president.

Javier Zanetti, right, begged to be included in the Champions League last 16 draw

The Inter legend turned vice-president became Champions League captain in 2010

Zanetti has been a regular dignitary at draws, with the Argentina legend helping out at the Copa America draw ceremony in Miami earlier this month

Other officials then stepped in to plead the case of Inter's record appearance maker, who represented the club for a total of 858, including 159 in the Champions League.

The 2010 Champions League captain was eventually allowed to participate in the draw after the embarrassing incident.

Zanetti took his place in time to watch the outcome of the last-16 tie, as Inter were awarded an eye-catching draw against Atletico Madrid.

The Serie A side had reached the knockout stages after finishing second in their Champions League group behind Real Sociedad.

Inter face a difficult match against Atletico Madrid, which is led by Zanetti's former teammate Diego Simeone.

'Atletico are a difficult team to face. I know Simeone very well, we were teammates, we are friends,” Zanetti said.

'I know how he prepares games, it will be two great games between two great teams.

“There were so many great teams, we knew it could be a complicated draw. We have great respect for Atletico, we know their history and culture.

Inter were signed by Atletico Madrid, managed by Zanetti's ex-teammate Diego Simeone

“We know how they prepare, they will be difficult to beat. But we are in a position to play two great games and we will be ready.

'The matches are complicated both home and away: performing well at San Siro will be important, but it will be a balanced match.'

The Italian giants will look to repeat their run to last year's Champions League final, where they ultimately lost 1-0 to Man City in Istanbul.

Inter currently sit at the top of Serie A, with Simone Inzaghi's side holding a four-point lead over second-placed Juventus.

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