“On one hand I’m happy I was able to play again after the groin problems, but on the other hand I wasn’t pleased at having been out of the game for so long. Physically I’m doing well now, but I’m using some anti-inflammatories to take care of a bit of lingering irritation,” stated Nerazzurri forward Mauro Icardi in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.
The discussion moved back in time a bit when Mauro was asked to recall which of his goals made him the happiest: “It has to be the one against Juventus, since it was also my first for Inter.”
How important is it to land a spot in Europe, perhaps even doing so at AC Milan’s expense? “It’s important, and it’s an objective we’re all aiming for, from the president down to the last man. We’re not scared of AC Milan. We respect them, just as we do every team. And we know that every team in the Serie A is tough to face, whether they’re in first place or last.
“Napoli? It is the same as I said regarding AC Milan. Saturday’s game? We’ll try to play a strong match, and we’ll have to go at 100 miles per hour.”
How is Icardi’s relationship with Walter Mazzarri? “It’s going well, and lately he’s been playing me, which gives me more confidence. I just have to do what a forward is supposed to do: score. As I’ve said, I’ve learned a lot with him. And now we’re near the end of the season and I continue to learn from him; even things I already know but have to learn to put into practice.
“Can he be the right coach to take us back to the top? We hope so. We all know that forwards working under him have great seasons, so we hope things will turn out that way for us.”
Then a question on the reception he received from Sampdoria fans: “It didn’t hurt us, and I honestly expected it. As I said, I began my career at Sampdoria. If the fans acted that way then it was their decision. I did what I had to do on Sunday, which means score goals. I’m happy for our own fans.
“The celebration? I often do that. Actually, I do it every time I score. The first time was when I scored against Genoa in the derby. It was in the final minutes and I made it 3-1. They went nuts, and I stood there with my hand to my ear to say, ‘Louder now, since we won the game!’”
According to some reports from journalists, Mauro stated: “If Inter get rid of me then I’ll leave. Otherwise I’m staying here.” The response from the number 9: “I never said that. I want to keep learning to do what I’m doing at Inter this season for as long as I remain here. I’m sure to learn more. If other teams want me it’s something they’ll have to work out.
“I can’t control the things that go on around me. If people want to talk they’ll talk. I look after my own business and live my life as I’ve always done. I haven’t changed. I’m the same as I’ve always been, with my family and the people who are close to me.”
His idol is Batistuta, and he’s been compared to forwards such as Crespo, Tevez and Higuain: “I think I’m similar to Batistuta. Crespo, Higuain and Tevez have a different style of play.
“As far as my private life is concerned, I’m happy with things at the moment. If I get a World Cup invitation thanks to my goals with Inter then I’ll be pleased. Otherwise it will have to be for the next one.
“Whether I’m proud of what I do is something I keep to myself. I do what I do because I want to, because obviously I feel good behaving in a certain way.”
Source: inter.it
