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11 months ago
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Inter Milan legend and vice-president Javier Zanetti was forced to plead with security to be allowed in to watch the Champions League last-16 draw after forgetting his accreditation.
Footage has emerged of the former Argentina defender attempting to enter the event at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon on Monday.
A security official outside the draw is heard requesting Zanetti's accreditation before permitting the Inter official to enter the room.
Zanetti was seen without his credential to enter the draw, with the former defender initially looking exasperated at being denied entry.
The 50-year-old was heard talking to the official to insist he was vice-president of Inter.
Javier Zanetti, right, was left pleading to be allowed into the Champions League last-16 draw
The Inter legend turned vice-president lifted the Champions League as captain back in 2010
Zanetti has been a regular dignitary at draws with the Argentina legend helping out with the Copa America draw ceremony earlier this month in Miami
Other officials then stepped in to plead the case of Inter's record appearance maker, who represented the club 858 in total, including 159 in the Champions League.
The 2010 Champions League winning captain was eventually allowed into the draw following the embarrassing incident.
Zanetti took his seat in time to see the outcome of the last-16 draw as Inter were given an eye-catching tie against Atletico Madrid.
The Serie A side had reached the knock-out stage after finishing second in their Champions League group behind Real Sociedad.
Inter face a tricky tie against Atletico Madrid, who are managed by Zanetti's former team-mate 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 matches, they will be two great matches 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 their culture.
Inter were drawn to face Atletico Madrid, managed by Zanetti's ex team-mate Diego Simeone
'We know how they prepare, they will be difficult to beat. But we are in a position to play two great matches and we will be ready.
'The matches are complicated both at home and away: doing well at San Siro will be important, but it will be a balanced tie.'
The Italian giants will be seeking to replicate their run to the Champions League final last year, where they eventually fell to a 1-0 defeat to Man City in Istanbul.
Inter are currently top of Serie A with Simone Inzaghi's side boasting a four-point lead over second placed Juventus.
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