Inter CEO Beppe Marotta wouldn’t be drawn on Mauro Icardi’s future, but urged fans to “understand the club comes first.”
The match with Atalanta kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
“It’s still early days, there are 24 points up for grabs and many dangers to face,” the CEO told Sky Sport Italia of the fight for a Champions League spot.
Inter CEO Beppe Marotta wouldn’t be drawn on Mauro Icardi’s future, but urged fans to “understand the club comes first.”
The match with Atalanta kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
“It’s still early days, there are 24 points up for grabs and many dangers to face,” the CEO told Sky Sport Italia of the fight for a Champions League spot.
This is Icardi’s first game at San Siro since he was stripped of the captaincy on February 13, had a knee injury and negotiated his return to the squad via a lawyer.
Marotta was asked if this means the negotiations over a contract extension can now resume.
“He is an Inter player and has to play in the best way, so let’s just talk about the present. There’s time to consider the future.
“He’s 26 years old, so still needs to grow up. I know that I made a lot of mistakes in my career that I wouldn’t do in hindsight, because now I have experience, so players are the same.”
During the warm-up, Icardi was greeted with utter indifference by the crowd.
“I don’t expect any reaction from the fans, because the people understand the club comes first, the Nerazzurri colours, and we must be united to do what is best for Inter.”