Mauro Icardi insists he “never thought” about leaving Inter, and staying for life “would be an objective”.
The striker’s new contract was officially announced today, with the Nerazzurri captain committing until 2021.
“Was I close to leaving this summer?” Icardi considered, speaking to reporters at the Inter Store.
“No, I never thought about it. I was calm, I was happy, I was giving my all in training to start the season well. Now I want to continue like this and help the team win.
Mauro Icardi insists he “never thought” about leaving Inter, and staying for life “would be an objective”.
The striker’s new contract was officially announced today, with the Nerazzurri captain committing until 2021.
“Was I close to leaving this summer?” Icardi considered, speaking to reporters at the Inter Store.
“No, I never thought about it. I was calm, I was happy, I was giving my all in training to start the season well. Now I want to continue like this and help the team win.
“In Italy we talk about [Francesco] Totti, [Javier] Zanetti and [Paolo] Maldini, champions who have done well for their teams.
“I’m still young and I can’t promise I’ll stay here for 20 years, but it would be an objective.
“I’m the captain and I’m always tied to this team, it’s an honour and a pleasure for me to commit to this club for a long time.”
Icardi was also asked about his relationship with Beneamata Coach Frank de Boer.
“The relationship with the Coach is very good, we’ve talked a lot about how to improve and that’s the starting point to build a great team.
“I think he’s a great Coach, you’ve seen how he’s changed our style. We’re doing things that will help us get better.
“The Coach has a philosophy, he’s just arrived but we’re taking it on board. We have great players, if we get them training and on the pitch then we’ll do great things.
“Inter, like last year, want to return to the Champions League.”
Some still say Icardi’s compatriot, Gonzalo Higuain of Juventus, is the stronger striker…
“There are plenty of strikers better than me, but I’m happy with what I do for Inter. For a striker it’s goals that count, and I’m happy to get them.”