Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has paid glowing tribute to Inter Milan legend Javier Zanetti who has retired from the game after almost 20-years at the club.

The Internazionale stalwart has confirmed that he will retire at the end of the season, bringing down the curtain on a playing career that has spanned three clubs and 22 years – nearly 20 of which have been spent in Milan.

The Argentine international played his last game for the San Siro side as they thrashed Lazio 4-1 on Saturday.

And Ghanaian international, Michael Essien, has hailed the 40-year-old. A Legend and true gentleman of football Javier Zanetti retires as a player tonight.#JZ4ever#Respect#Legend#.” Essien tweeted.

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