There was speculation that the injury may force the 39-year-old into retirement after it was confirmed that Zanetti will be on the sidelines for at least six months recovering.

But the former Inter defender feels Zanetti's positivity means he will recover and continue his playing career into his 40's.

"Javier is fine. Along with my Dad he's the most positive person I've ever met," Cordoba told Rai Sport. "He can't wait to leave the hospital and get on with his rehab.

"The first thing he thinks about is finding a solution to the problem. He's always been like that and that's the way he sees it now."

Zanetti has made 843 appearances for Inter since signing from Banfield in 1995 and earned 145 caps during his international career for Argentina.

"Of course he's very important for this team because of what he gives us on the pitch, but just having him around is a massive help too.

"He'll soon be at La Pinetina (Inter's training ground) to get behind the lads and make sure they do well.

"You can take it from me, he will play again."