Inter’s Mauro Icardi reveals ex-Roma and Fiorentina striker Gabriel Batistuta ‘was my idol – I hoped to steal the secret of his power on the pitch.’
The Nerazzurri striker gave a lengthy interview to Gazzetta dello Sport today in which he reflected on watching his compatriot while growing up.
“As a child I saw Gabriel Batistuta as an idol,” said Icardi.
“The first time I saw him was in front of the TV, in a game with the national team. He was on another level from the rest, untouchable.
Inter’s Mauro Icardi reveals ex-Roma and Fiorentina striker Gabriel Batistuta ‘was my idol – I hoped to steal the secret of his power on the pitch.’
The Nerazzurri striker gave a lengthy interview to Gazzetta dello Sport today in which he reflected on watching his compatriot while growing up.
“As a child I saw Gabriel Batistuta as an idol,” said Icardi.
“The first time I saw him was in front of the TV, in a game with the national team. He was on another level from the rest, untouchable.
“At that time the magazine El Grafico went around clubs giving the young players a pretend cover with a photo montage, and obviously I chose to have Bati on mine.
“But thinking that there was never a chance to be close to him in real life…I never managed to meet him in person, hopefully I will one day.
“I always hoped to steal the secret of that power he showed when he played, he seemed like he was eating up the pitch.
“I know that now I’m on another level, because there are kids and young guys who want to be Icardi, but it’s not like every time I’m there thinking: ‘Mauro, look at who’s watching you’.
“I think I’m quite intelligent and know what people see as good and bad in me.”