Inter striker and captain Mauro Icardi admits he is ‘excited’ to face Barcelona, the club at which he began his career.
The Argentine spent three years at the club’s La Masia youth system after moving from Canary Island youth side UD Vecindario before moving to Italy, initially Sampdoria, in 2011.
Now the 25-year-old marksman, who has already hit 113 goals for the Nerazzurri, faces Barca for the first time in his professional career.
“I am very happy in Milan, very happy at Inter, my family is happy here and I have no need nor desire right now to leave,” Icardi told his pre match press conference.
“Playing for Barcelona’s academy was a very important time for me and my career, as I learned a great deal here. I started my career here and facing them as a player in the Champions League is undoubtedly special and exciting.
“However, when I had the chance to come to Italy with Sampdoria, I didn’t need to think twice. It was the right decision for me and my representatives.
“There are always offers, but I am happy at Milan and very calm. I have the opportunity to play in the Champions League, I am captain and I want to get even stronger here. I feel like I’m asked to repeat this every day…”
