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2010 Inter Treble hero Walter Samuel ready to bow out
The defender’s journey started out at Newell's Old Boys in his native Argentina before making a name for himself at Boca Juniors. A successful spell with the Argentine giants caught the attention of AS Roma who brought him to the Italian capital in 2000. For four years he was a pillar in a star studded Giallorossi team, leading from the back and playing his part in the team’s Scudetto and Supercoppa success in 2001.
Samuel’s displays for the capital outfit meant Real Madrid came calling in 2004 but he never fully settled and in 2005 he made a swift return to Italy, joining Milanese giants Inter. It would prove to be a wise move: Samuel immediately became an idol of the fans and enjoyed unrivalled success over his 9 seasons at the San Siro.
The peak came in 2009-2010, and alongside Lucio, Samuel formed the central back pairing in the Inter team that conquered everything on both fronts, winning Scudetto, Coppa Italia and the Champions League under Mourinho. Cementing his reputation as an Inter favourite was his record with city rivals AC Milan: the ‘Wall’ won 10 out of 11 all city-showdowns with the Rossoneri.
Of course, there were low points and he had his injury problems, sustaining two serious knee injuries, but each time Samuel came back with the same grit and determination for which he was known for. In 2014 the curtain came down on his Inter career and he opted for a move to Switzerland, joining Basel.
The injury problems however followed him and took their toll on the veteran who announced he would retire earlier this season. That time has now come, and after numerous challenges and endless battles with the best strikers in the world, the defender is ready to bring his trophy laden and glorious career to an end.
Article by Matteo Serra, translated and adapted by Thomas Lawrence
