Transfer Centre

Agent: 'Mauro Icardi turned down Real Madrid'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 10 October 2016

Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi turned down the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus before signing a new deal at San Siro, according to his agent.

Mauro Icardi turned down a host of clubs, including Real Madrid, before signing a new long-term deal at Inter Milan, according to his agent.

Last week, it was confirmed that the 23-year-old had put pen to paper on a new contract at San Siro, which will run until 2021.

Arsenal and Napoli were linked with the Argentine in the summer, but according to Icardi's agent and wife Wanda Nara, the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus were also interested in the striker's services.

"I pointed out to [Inter director Piero Ausilio] that there were many offers, so was Mauro meant to stay or go? He replied, 'Then show me these offers.' I was upset, as we had bought a house in Milan and he's happy here," Nara told Sport Week.

"Seeing as Ausilio wanted to see the offers, I brought him the proposals from PSG, Napoli and Juventus. There was also Tottenham, although they spoke directly with Piero. Mauro was on the verge of joining Real Madrid and Juve sought him until two minutes before they secured Gonzalo Higuain."

On Sunday, Icardi admitted that he 'cannot promise' that he will retire at Inter Milan.