Inter Milan Chief Javier Zanetti: 'We Have Talked Too Much' About Mauro Icardi
Mar 28, 2019
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 21: Mauro Icardi looks on in VIP standing during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale and SK Rapid Wien at San Siro on February 21, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Tullio Puglia/Getty Images)
Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti has said the constant talk around Mauro Icardi's future has been "too much" and must cease for the crucial run to the finish of 2018-19.
Icardi has not played for Inter since February 9 amid ongoing contract talks and his being stripped of the captaincy:
—Stripped of club captaincy —Left out of #UEL squad
Rumours continue to circulate that the striker could leave the Nerazzurri in the summer amid links to Real Madrid,JuventusandNapoli.
He recently returned to training after an apparent injury. But when asked whether Icardi, 26, could line up against Lazio at the San Siro on Sunday, Zanetti said the Argentinian should not be the focus, per Sacha Pisani of Goal:
"I think we have talked about him too much. Now we must focus on the field because it is fundamental for the season finale. We have the goal of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, 10 games are left and on Sunday we meet a direct rival. The team is preparing for the match as best as possible with the coach."
Inter have blown hot and cold without their star striker, who has nine Serie A goals in 20 appearances this season.
However, they earned a crucial 3-2 win against AC Milan last time out to move above their city rivals into third in Serie A:
Most importantly, they are six points ahead of Roma in fifth place, so they look well set to qualify for next season's Champions League.
It would be a big boost if Icardi could be reintegrated back into the side for the final games of the season, as Inter have a difficult run-in.
Including Sunday's meeting with Lazio, they face Genoa, Atalanta, Roma, Juventus and Napoli in their last 10 matches.
Inter have earned some good results without Icardi, but he is arguably their best attacking player and has finished each of the past four seasons as the club's top scorer.
Crucially, Icardi's team-mates seem set to welcome him back into the side.
Per Sport.sk (h/t Pisani), centre-back Milan Skriniar said of the forward's return to training: "You should ask Icardi what happened. Of course, us players have no problem with him, nor does he with us. It's up to him to put an end to this situation."
Real Madrid and Barcelona Want to Sign Milan Skriniar, Says Agent
Mar 21, 2019
Real Madrid and Barcelona are both interested in signing Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar, according to Mithat Halis from the agency that represents the Slovakia international.
Halis, a partner at the Star & Friends agency, offered an update on the centre-back's future to Ozgur Sancar at AS.
"Real Madrid want to sign him, so do Barcelona; whoever can convince Inter to let him go will sign him this summer. Skriniar is a model professional. If Real Madrid want him, they could get him but there are other agents who have a vested interest in taking players where they want.
"Mino Raiola, who represents Ibrahimovic and Pogba, might try to mislead Skriniar, but the player is on the books at our company - we have a contract with him. Inter paid Sampdoria 28 million euros for Skriniar and six months later, Manchester City came in with an offer of 55 million. Now he is valued at around 100 million. Any deal would certainly be complicated by the interference of intermediaries."
Skriniar has emerged as one of Europe's top defenders since joining Inter from Sampdoria in 2017 and has become a vital player for the Nerazzurri:
Milan Škriniar (23) in all competitions since joining Internazionale:
The 24-year-old has three years left on his current deal but said in an interview withTuttosport that he hopes to sign an extension at the San Siro (h/t Goal's Joe Wright).
"You all know I want to stay at Inter," he said. "I have a great relationship with the club and the directors. We're talking and we're close to an agreement."
Yet Skriniar has yet to sign a new deal, and Inter may face a tough decision if they were to receive a hefty offer for the defender in the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid could be in the market for a defender if they were to lose Raphael Varane.
The France international is considering his options at the club and could leave in search of a new challenge, according to L'Equipe:
Meanwhile, Barcelona continue to be heavily linked with a move for Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.
According to Sport, the Catalan giants have offered €60 million (£52 million) for the Dutch centre-back, and he appears to be their top priority with regards strengthening their defence.
La Gazzetta: Inter Considering Paulo Dybala-Icardi Swap; Eyeing in Edin Dzeko
Mar 19, 2019
Inter Milan are reportedly considering offering Mauro Icardi for Juventus star Paulo Dybala in a swap deal and are also interested in Roma striker Edin Dzeko.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia, Calciomercato), Inter have "already initiated contact" with Dzeko as they are "well aware" that Icardi will move on this summer.
They are also said to be considering using Icardi as a makeweight for Dybala, whom Inter director Beppe Marotta is a big admirer of from his time with Juventus.
Juvefc.com relayed further information fromGazzettajournalist Nicolo Schira, while Football Italia's Richard Hall shared the story from the newspaper's front page:
The only club to have taken concrete steps for Mauro Icardi for next season is Juventus. Paratici ready to offer five years, €8m plus net bonuses per season to the Argentine, while Inter will be offered Dybala in exchange. [@NicoSchira]
Icardi has not featured for Inter since February 9. The Argentinian was stripped of the Nerazzurri captaincy amid criticism of the club and his team-mates from his wife and agent, Wanda Nara, on Italian television.
The 26-year-old has scored 122 goals in 210 appearances for Inter, but Eurosport's Siavoush Fallahi won't be sad to see him leave the club in light of recent circumstances:
“If you don’t love her when she loses don’t love her when she wins”. Mauro Icardi about Inter.
“If you don’t love her without a captains armband don’t do it with the captains armband”
Seeing this guy has no problem in leaving the team in the situation they are in with injuries
As the team's primary source of goals, he'll need replacing if he leaves.
Their interest in Dybala is understandable, as he scored 26 goals in all competitions last season. He has also slipped down the pecking order since Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival last summer, as he does not fit well in the system that gets the most out of the Portugal international.
In the Bianconeri's 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last week, Juve began the game 2-0 down from the first leg, but Dybala nevertheless started the match on the bench.
It's said Inter recognised Dzeko as being a more realistic target, though, and that he could be available for around €30 million.
The Bosnian has been a strong signing for Serie A rivals Roma, having scored 85 goals in 169 appearances. With that kind of record, he'd be capable of filling in admirably for Icardi, but he has just turned 33.
Inter would be better served pursuing a younger target who can help the team long term—particularly if they're going to invest significant funds to replace Icardi.
Wanda Nara Says Mauro Icardi and Inter Milan Are 'Close to Finding Peace'
Mar 18, 2019
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 17: Mauro Emanuel Icardi of FC Internazionale and his wife Wanda Nara attend the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 17, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
Wanda Nara, the wife and agent of Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, has said the player and club are "close to finding peace."
Icardi has not played for the San Siro side since he was stripped of the club captaincy in February, with contrasting reports emerging over the severity of a knee injury he has.
Given his absence and the fact a new contract has yet to be agreed, speculation has gathered pace over whether Icardi will be at the club beyond the summer.
However, Inter recently confirmed chief executive Giuseppe Marotta, Nara and Icardi held a "cordial meeting."
Speaking to Tiki Taka (h/t Football Italia) on Sunday, Nara said the issue is nearing a resolution:
"We're close to finding peace, we're almost there. Mauro is recovering from a knee injury and hasn't had a day off until [Sunday] because he wants to get back to his best.
"I talked to Marotta and there are no problems between [Icardi] and his team-mates. He'll be back once he's fit. I've heard what the players have said to the press and none of them said anything [bad]. The problem with people is that they mix Wanda with Icardi, but we're not the same person."
She was also asked whether the player was set for a meeting with club officials on Friday. Nara said: "With me, no, but the club may very well meet him without me."
According to Gonzalo Castro of AS, Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Icardi's situation and have been quoted a fee of €80 million (£69 million) to sign the striker.
Inter were able to pick up a crucial win without Icardi on Sunday when they beat local rivals AC Milan 3-2 in the Derby della Madonnina.
The man who has replaced Icardi in the starting lineup at Inter, Lautaro Martinez, was on the scoresheet for the Nerazzurri in the win, continuing his impressive form.
The young forward had a day to remember:
Lautaro Martínez (21) against AC Milan:
⚫ First Derby della Madonnina appearance 🔵 First Derby della Madonnina assist ⚫ First Derby della Madonnina goal
If Icardi does come back into the side soon, then it will be intriguing to see what manager Luciano Spalletti does with Martinez.
The potential is there for the Argentinian compatriots to form a fine partnership, with the bright all-round play of Martinez seemingly a fine complement to the razor-sharp goalscoring instincts of Icardi.
As things stand, it doesn't appear as if a return for Icardi is too far away. Should he find form and focus quickly, then the No. 9 can be a crucial player for the team as they seek to secure a top-four finish in Serie A this term.
Wanda Nara Says Mauro Icardi 'Wants to Stay at Inter,' Talks Knee Injury
Mar 11, 2019
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 21: Mauro Icardi (L) and Wanda Nara look on in VIP standing during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale and SK Rapid Wien at San Siro on February 21, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Tullio Puglia/Getty Images)
Wanda Nara, the wife and agent of Mauro Icardi, has said the player wants to stay at Inter Milan despite recent speculation regarding his future.
Icardi has not featured for the club since it was confirmed he had been stripped of the captaincy in February. Last week, following numerous cryptic Instagram posts from the player about his situation, Inter confirmed a "cordial meeting" had been held between Icardi, Nara and club chief executive Giuseppe Marotta.
Speaking to Tiki Taka (h/t Football Italia), Nara made it clear the striker wants to remain at the San Siro and said the player is currently sidelined due to injury, meaning he is a doubt for the showdown with local rivals AC Milan on Sunday:
"Mauro wants to stay at Inter. I'm working to make him feel good and make peace with the club. We also chose a lawyer who's an Inter fan!
"The derby? The knee problem isn't an invention. He's taking care of himself 24 hours a day. Health is his priority right now because maybe he doesn't feel important for the team.
"Absent at San Siro against SPAL? We stayed at home with our family watching the game. It wasn't because we were afraid of whistling. It was also something we agreed with the club. I talk to Marotta more than I do to Mauro right now to avoid any misunderstandings at a time like this."
While Icardi has been linked with a move away from Inter, Bleacher Report's Gianni Verschueren said any club should be hesitant about signing him:
The reference to Icardi's knee problem comes after Inter said on their official website that the Argentina international did not have an issue following an examination by medical staff.
Speaking ahead of the game on Sunday, Inter manager Luciano Spalletti said despite the assessment of club doctors, Icardi said: "No, I still feel pain. I'll tell you when I feel ready to play," per Perform (h/t AS).
Nevertheless, there does appear to be an end in sight at last to the saga, with the club, Icardi and his agent in discussions.
On his birthday last month, bet365 put into context just how important Icardi has been to the club in recent years:
He's scored more league goals for Inter Milan than Christian Vieri, Adriano and Samuel Eto'o. He ended a six-year streak of Juventus players being named Serie A POTY. He's one of the most naturally gifted finishers in the world.
Although the ongoing drama is an unwelcome distraction for Inter, if Icardi does get back in the team and agree a new contract, then it would be a major boost for the club. His current deal is set to expire in 2021.
While Sunday's derby is likely to come too soon for Icardi, having him involved in the final couple of months of the season would be key for Inter while they pursue a top-four finish and the UEFA Europa League title.
Luciano Spalletti: Mauro Icardi Has Medical All-Clear but Not Back in Training
Mar 8, 2019
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 21: Mauro Icardi (L) and Wanda Nara look on in VIP standing during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale and SK Rapid Wien at San Siro on February 21, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Tullio Puglia/Getty Images)
Mauro Icardi has told Inter Milan he will let them know when he feels ready to return to training, according to manager Luciano Spalletti.
The Argentinian has not played for Inter since he was stripped of the captaincy in February amid ongoing contract talks with the club.
His absence has been partially explained by a knee injury.
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - MARCH 07: head coach Luciano Spalletti of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 First Leg match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Internazionale at Commerzbank-Arena on March 07, 2019 in Frank
But, after Icardi was absent again for Inter's 0-0 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, Spalletti revealed the striker has been given the all-clear by the club's medical staff, per Sacha Pisani of Goal:
"The truth is that we asked Mauro if he felt like resuming training. The doctor said that in his view the necessary period for treatment had terminated. He replied: 'No, I still feel pain. I'll tell you when I feel ready to play'. I acknowledged what he said and went back home. The director [Beppe Marotta] will tell you the rest."
Icardi, 26, and Wanda Nara, his agent and wife, met with Marotta earlier this week in an attempt to resolve his contract situation:
Inter's Sport CEO Giuseppe Marotta today held a cordial meeting with @MauroIcardi and Wanda Nara in search of a solution to satisfy the best interests of all involved.#FCIM
Given that Icardi again ruled himself out of appearing against Eintracht, it does not appear as though the meeting was a major success.
The forward's contract at the San Siro runs to 2021, but Pisani noted he has been heavily linked with a move to a number of top European clubs, including Juventus,Barcelona,Napoli,Manchester United and, perhaps most prominently, Real Madrid.
The forward's last appearance for Inter was against Parma on February 9.
Initially, the Nerazzurri dealt quite well without him, winning three games on the spin in all competitions.
However, they are now winless in their last three, and Icardi would arguably have been the ideal man to have on the pitch in Frankfurt to turn the tie in Inter's favour.
Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp saved a Marcelo Brozovic penalty that Icardi may well have buried:
The second leg is next Thursday, and Inter are slight favourites to advance to the last eight, given they will have home advantage.
They will be even stronger favourites if Icardi is back in the fold by then, as he is the club's best goalscorer by some distance.
Inter Confirm 'Cordial Meeting' with Mauro Icardi, Wanda Nara Amid Rift Rumours
Mar 6, 2019
Inter Milan confirmed a "cordial meeting" was held between star forward Mauro Icardi, his wife/agent Wanda Nara and the club's chief executive Giuseppe Marotta in an attempt to solve the ongoing saga surrounding the striker.
Icardi has not played for Inter since it was confirmed the club had taken the captaincy from him. While there has been some talk regarding a knee problem, the Serie A side said on their official website there was no major injury issue recently.
The club appeared to suggest a positive step had been made on Wednesday, though, with the three parties getting together in a bid to move forward:
Inter's Sport CEO Giuseppe Marotta today held a cordial meeting with @MauroIcardi and Wanda Nara in search of a solution to satisfy the best interests of all involved.#FCIM
Per Goal, there has been tension between Icardi and Inter since the decision was made to give the armband to Samir Handanovic.
During his time on the sidelines, the Inter man has sent out a number of social media posts of a cryptic nature. In one Instagram post, he called for "respect" from the San Siro outfit. As Goal noted, he previously said that "it's better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt."
The issues between the club and player appear to stem from the fact that Icardi has not signed a new contract.
Speaking about the Argentina international earlier this month, Marotta said there was "no split" between Inter and Icardi, noting that "we never talked about a sale abroad or anything else," per Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia).
Eurosport's Siavoush Fallahi said the manner in which Icardi has reacted to having the captaincy taken from him appears to have surprised the club:
If Inter were counting the strong personality Mauro has shown on the field to show when he was stripped of the captaincy they might’ve thought wrong.
His strong character & desire for revenge is nowhere to be seen & Icardi isn’t playing which puts Inter in a very bad situation.
While Inter's results were initially good following the change of captaincy, they've picked up just one point in their last two games.
Overall, the team will suffer without Icardi. Not only was he a leader on the field, but he has long been one of the most dependable goalscorers in Serie A, able to take all different types of opportunities inside the penalty area.
Squawka Football summed up just how important the No. 9 has been for the Nerazzurri:
Happy 26th birthday to Mauro Icardi!
🔵 208 games ⚫️ 122 goals 🏆 2017/18 top scorer 🏆 2018 Serie A Player of the Year
Inter are in a battle to finish in the top four in Italy—they were bumped down to fourth spot courtesy of local rivals AC Milan at the weekend—and they're also in the last-16 of the UEFA Europa League.
Giuseppe Marotta Says There Is 'No Split' Between Mauro Icardi and Inter Milan
Mar 1, 2019
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 21: Mauro Icardi looks on in VIP standing during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale and SK Rapid Wien at San Siro on February 21, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Tullio Puglia/Getty Images)
Inter Milan chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has dismissed speculation over a rift between Mauro Icardi and the club.
Since Icardi was stripped of the captaincy, rumours have gathered pace regarding the striker's situation at the San Siro.
This week, he released a statement on social media in which he part praises the club, but he also said "I don't know if there's respect towards Inter and I on the part of those who make decisions," per Football Italia.
Ahead of the team's meeting with Cagliari in Serie A on Friday, Marotta was asked about Icardi and did his utmost to play down reports of tension between the two parties, per Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia):
"These are internal matters, we'll deal with the player himself and I don't feel there's the need to fix anything, seeing as there has been no split. There is absolutely no split. [...]
"We never talked about a sale abroad or anything else. I don't wish to be rude, but please change the subject. I am not the person who can talk about this issue. There was also this supposed controversy between club and coach, but I can assure you we are very united and are working together to help the team grow in future."
Once again, Icardi was left out of the Inter squad to face Cagliari due to a reported injury. It means he's not played for the club since February 9.
Here is more of what the Inter striker had to say in his social media bulletin about the Nerazzurri:
The situation is a far from ideal for the Milan giants, as the issue surrounding Icardi, his future and his contract is consistently brought up in the media.
When he's at his best, Icardi has proven himself to be one of the most dangerous strikers in world football, consistently competing at the top of the Serie A goalscoring standings. Although prior to Friday's encounter Inter had won three and drawn one of their three games without their No. 9, and without him, they are a much less fearsome prospect.
With that in mind, all at the club will want the current saga sorted. Italian football journalist John Solano thinks the post from Icardi will only likely fuel speculation:
There’s several ways to interpret that letter from Icardi.
There has been so much focus on Icardi as of late and it's almost been forgotten Inter's season still remains alive. They are into the last-16 of the UEFA Europa League—Eintracht Frankfurt are their next opponents—and in a battle to finish in the top four in Serie A.
If Icardi gets back in the team and back among the goals, the Nerazzurri may yet have a 2018-19 to remember. However, the longer this issue rumbles on, the more likely it is to overshadow and distract the team in the most crucial months of the season.
Mauro Icardi Demands 'Respect' in IG Post After Being Dropped from Inter Squad
Feb 28, 2019
Mauro Icardi has demanded "respect" in a lengthy Instagram post after being dropped from the Inter Milan squad to face Cagliari on Friday:
"It's in the most difficult moments that true love is shown. In those moments I decided to stay at Inter, with Inter.
"When I felt that with my goals I could help Inter to be stronger, in many ways. Stronger than the problems of Financial Fair Play, stronger than our difficulties, when there were many to judge that as a team we were not worth much.
"At Inter, with Inter and despite all, I've always decided to stay, and for the love of these colours, I've turned down offers that few professional players would have refused.
"I played with physical pains that brought me to tears after the game, and in the following days. But I have always insisted on taking the field, even against medical advice, because I was able to forget every pain on the field, with the only goal of giving everything I could to help these colours.
"For the LOVE of the Nerazzurri colours. Because there is only Inter. I showed my children that we must keep hope. I taught them that winning is difficult, but that doing it with Inter has a unique meaning, that only a true Inter supporter can understand and feel. The eyes of my children do not lie. This love for Inter has been learned at my house.
"I realised my dream, I realised the dream of all of us at Inter, returning to the Champions League, with the team I was captain of. Because I have always felt and transmitted love for these colours.
"I have always disapproved of those who at the first opportunity tried to leave the club. I respected the fans, my team-mates, the club, and all the coaches that passed through during my stay.
"I have collaborated with the club, both on and off the pitch, in the inclusion of every new player, showing him that only with passion could we reach our goals.
"I know what love is for Inter, and Inter fans know this because they have seen how I suffered, cried, fought and finally enjoyed these colours. At Inter. With Inter.
"But as I said, all the sacrifices were made for the love of these colours, and respecting everyone. I do not know if at this moment there is love and respect towards Inter and towards me by some who make the decisions. I do not know if there is somebody with the desire to act and solve things only and exclusively for the love of Inter.
"In a family many things can happen, beautiful or ugly. And for love you can bear a lot, of everything. But it must never lack respect. These are my values, these are the values for which I have always struggled. In my story. At Inter. With Inter."
Icardi has been stripped of the captaincy at the San Siro, with the armband handed to Samir Handanovic, and has not featured for Inter Milan since February 9.
The recent events, coupled with Icardi's failure to agree a new contract with Inter, have fuelled speculation he could be set to leave the Serie A side.
Sports journalist Siavoush Fallahi offered his view on Icardi's statement:
My take on this is very simple. I know all the good things Mauro has done for Inter.
In what he writes today it’s only: “me, me, me. I did, I felt, I’ve done.“
In order for this situation to be resolved I feel he has to take a step towards the club and his teammates.
There have been also suggestions that Icardi's absence from the team has also been because of a knee injury. However, according toAS(h/t Perform), the club have not found any "significant problems" when conducting tests.
Inter manager Luciano Spalletti was asked about Icardi ahead of the trip to Cagliari but refused to discuss his former captain, per Goal'sGuy Atkinson.
"Many things have already been said about Icardi by Marotta and Zhang," he said. "From now on I'll only talk about the players that are available for selection, not those who aren't, because they're the ones who are on the field and care about the fate of Inter. I won't talk about the others anymore."
Icardi's wife and agent, Wanda Nara, has said that the striker losing the captaincy was "like pulling one of his legs off" and he does not want to leave Inter Milan in an appearance on Mediaset television (h/tBen Gladwellat ESPN FC).
Meanwhile, Inter director Beppe Marotta has said the club plan to offer Icardi a new deal but does not know how it will be received, perCalciomercato.com.
"Let's see. I don't know if this will be the week that we will present him with our contract renewal offer, it will probably happen by next week," he said. "There aren't any deadlines, let's see. It isn't sure that Icardi accepts our proposal either..."
Yet the uncertainty surrounding Icardi's position had led to rumours that he could be set for a move to either Juventus or Napoli.
According to Tuttomercatoweb (h/tFootball Italia), Napoli are willing to offer Icardi a salary worth 9 million plus bonuses a season but Inter would prefer to sell him to Juventus.
Icardi's latest comments will do little to resolve his current situation which is threatening to overshadow Inter's season.
However, the club have performed well in his absence. They have won three and drawn one of their last four games without the striker and will be confident of victory against a Cagliari side who have won just once in 2019.
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 21: Wanda Nara looks on in VIP standing during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale and SK Rapid Wien at San Siro on February 21, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Tullio Puglia/Getty Images)
Wanda Nara has hit out at her critics by describing herself as a "revolutionary" amid ongoing talks with Inter Milan around Mauro Icardi's contract.
Nara, Icardi's agent and wife, has been involved in the ongoing saga that has seen the striker stripped of the Inter captaincy and exiled from the squad.
Icardi's deal runs to 2021, but he has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, per Goal.
PARMA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 09: Mauro Icardi of FC Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 10, 2019 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Nara is a key player in the negotiations and has regularly discussed the matter in the media.
Now she has demanded more recognition for the role she is playing in a male-dominated environment, per Italian outlet Gente (h/t Nick Howson of Goal):
"This is a very macho world and what I'm doing is revolutionary. Although there are many relatives who represent players, the role of women in football is more linked to 'staying at home with the kids and keeping quiet.' That's why I'm a revolutionary. I have friends who are wives of players and many laugh at me.
"They see that what I'm doing as strange, but they've asked me to represent their husbands because they know me, they know how I act and defend my interests. There is no crisis with Mauro, nor was there one. The stories that have come out are fantasy and very little to do with real life. We're really happy together.
"It's very difficult to be a woman in this macho world, but I have people who respect me. Some people have made things up to destabilise me. They've got very far. Mauro gives me courage. He isn't the macho type, and he's the first to believe in me. I would never speak ill of any relative."
On the contract issue, Nara added: "We're super happy here."
She has long maintained that the best outcome for her and Icardi would be for the Argentinian forward to sign a new contract at the club.
Given he has been prolific for Inter since joining from Sampdoria in 2013, it has always seemed Icardi and Nara are in a strong position to negotiate with the Milan club.
The 26-year-old's record of 109 goals in 179 Serie A appearances for the Nerazzurri is impressive and puts him among Europe's best marksmen.
Last term Icardi finished joint top scorer in the Italian top flight with 29 goals:
