Mauro Icardi has described Inter as “my home” after admitting he has spoken to other clubs in the past about a move away from the Nerazzurri.
The 25 year-old drew level with Christian Vieri as Inter’s joint-seventh leading goal-scorer in Serie A before the international break, striking twice in the 2-1 win over SPAL, and is expected to have a starring role in Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina.
Having fought off reported interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea in the summer Inter are now keen to extend the Argentine’s contract, which is currently due to expire in 2021, something Icardi believes should not be too far away.
“I don’t know if my contract extension will be finalised before Christmas but we’re looking to find an agreement,” he told Sky Sport.
“I’m happy the club opted to keep me this summer. There have been contacts with other clubs and I could have chosen to leave, but I decided to stay here – not least for the good of my family.
“Inter are my home, I couldn’t leave the club. My dream was to play in the Champions League and now it’s come true.
Icardi also spoke of his excitement ahead of this weekend’s big match against Milan, which will mark the start of a tough run of fixtures for Luciano Spalletti’s side, including trips to play Barcelona and Lazio.
“We didn’t want the international break to arrive after hitting great form in the last few weeks, but we’re still capable of approaching this match in the best manner possible.
“It’s the match everyone is waiting for in the city. Ultimately it’s only worth three points but it’s important for us to keep building on what we were doing before the break – winning always helps you to work better in training.”
On the prospect of facing off against Argentina team-mate Gonzalo Higuain, he added: “I don’t think there’s a rivalry between us.
“Higuain is an incredible forward who has had an incredible career. We’ll be pitted against each other on Sunday but I’m focused on myself.”
