Javier Zanetti extends contracts with Inter

Veteran defender Javier Zanetti has signed a one-year contract extension with Inter Milan, the Serie A club announced on Wednesday.

Zanetti, 39, has been with Inter since 1995 when he joined from Banfield in his native Argentina.

His deal was set to expire before the summer but Inter have shown faith in Zanetti despite him still being sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury.

"We spoke at length about my injury and we decided to do another year," Zanetti told inter.it.

"Once again they've shown they believe in me and my passion for Inter. I hope I can repay their affection on the pitch."

Inter just completed one of their worst seasons, a ninth place finish, leaving the Nerazzurri and out of Europe next season.

Zanetti's new deal means he could hang up his boots at the end of next season.