Inter owned striker Mauro Icardi, currently on loan with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint Germain, discussed his career and experiences in an interview published on the official PSG website today.
“At Barcelona I learned a lot from the tactical and technical side. The philosophy of the game is predominant there. This also helped me to adapt in Italy and understand the type of game. The same goes for the moves on the pitch, because in Italy they weren’t used to the movements I could make. All this developed my playing intelligence on the field. The tactics and the physical element also helped to train me into the player I am today.”
He was surprised to learn that he has scored his first ten goals with the club faster than any other play in PSG’s history.
“I didn’t know that! It’s a source of pride to reach this kind of goal and mark the history of a team like PSG. I try to be always ready and to be an option for my team-mates with my movements and actions. I try to give them the opportunity to play a pass to a free player. Then inside the area the forward must above all score goals. I’m always ready and focused to score as quickly as possible as soon as I get the ball.”
The 26-year-old Argentine then touched on his teammates.
“We have a team with a lot of top-quality players. The team often has the possession of the ball and I, as a centre forward, have the task of starting the forward movements. And I also open the spaces on the pitch. The opposing teams are waiting for us all grouped in the final third, so I help my team-mates with or without the ball by creating new spaces. This helps the team to score goals, it’s a team game.”
Finally, Icardi gave some advice to kids who dream of becoming great strikers.
“It’s very difficult to reach a high level. The advice I always give to children is to work and have fun playing football. And if one day they have the chance to reach a high level, they will have to be constant, professional, and then become responsible players and people.”
