Speaking to the media, ahead of Inter's clash with Real Madrid in China, Icardi revealed: "It's true that Real Madrid wanted to sign me."
While most footballers would die to play for either Real Madrid or Barcelona FC, Mauro Icardi is not one of them. Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi recently revealed that he had turned down a chance to join Real Madrid before signing a new four-year contract at the San Siro at the end of the last season.
Speaking to the media, ahead of Inter's clash with Real Madrid in China, Icardi revealed: "It's true that Real Madrid wanted to sign me." The 22-year-old Argentine quickly added, "But I am happy to have signed a new deal with Inter. My intention really was always to remain here. I knew that this year we would have a great squad."
Icardi had a break-out season in 2014/15, scoring 22 goals which earned him the Capocannoniere trophy, which is awarded to the league's top scorer at the end of each season, alongside World Cup winning veteran Luca Toni. Icardi's goals wasn't enough to prevent Inter Milan from finishing a sad 8th finish last season which means they will miss out on European competition. Icardi is confident that Inter will return to the times when the club was a force to reckon with in Europe. He said: "Now we are growing, so we hope to do well and get back into Europe."
"The (pre-season) performances against Bayern Munich and Milan were good, apart from the result. All this is tactical work that will take us closer to where Coach Mancini wants us to be."
Speaking to the press, manager Roberto Mancini said: "What I am happy about is to be here and competing against the likes of big clubs such as Real and Bayern. It may not be easy to get the results we want but it's a great work-out for the squad."
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 "Mauro Icardi turned down Real Madrid to stay at Inter Milan")
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