Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi has revealed he turned down a move to Real Madrid this summer to renew his contract at the San Siro.
The Argentine striker featured against the 10-time Champions League winners when the teams met in an friendly in China, but it could have been a different story if Los Blancos had got their way.
Speaking ahead of the game, the 22-year-old told reporters: “Real Madrid tried to sign me, but I’m happy I renewed my contract with Inter. I’m going to play for them in the Champions League this coming season.”
The striker, who joined Inter from Sampdoria in 2013, was joint top scorer in the Italian league last season with 22 goals – something that caught Rafa Benitez’ eye when he was in charge of Napoli.
Real’s failure to sign Icardi means their search for a new forward will continue for now. Los Blancos currently have Karim Benzema as the only recognised striker in the first team and Jese Rodriguez will likely carry on in his understudy role at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real lost the services of Javier Hernandez this summer though, having decided not to take up the option to sign the Mexican, meaning they are looking light up front and could dip into the market still.
Comment:not so bad to be in inter milan bt madrid are world classic team forever