Mauro Icardi Made Juventus Goal Promise But Actually Wanted To Join Another Serie A Club

Mauro Icardi promised Juventus he would score enough goals to convince them to sign him permanently.

Mauro Icardi Sent Transfer Message To Juventus

Despite Luciano Spalletti’s denials, the Old Lady made a late approach for Icardi in the January transfer window. The club initially explored a loan deal with an option to buy, but were unable to reach an agreement.

The 32-year-old was on Juventus’ shortlist right up until the deadline, and the possibility of him leaving Galatasaray was certainly real.

Indeed, his salute to supporters after scoring against Kayserispor on February 1 was interpreted as a farewell.

Icardi was said to be open to returning to Italy, having already played there for Sampdoria and Inter Milan.

According to Sportmediaset, he sent a bullish message to Juventus, seemingly to urge them to seal the deal.

“If you sign me, I’ll score ten goals in six months so you can keep me next year,” Icardi allegedly told them.

However, they could not find a promise over finances, while Galatasaray did not want to let him leave on loan. Accordingly, negotiations did not reach an advanced stage.

The fact that Inter were drawn to face the Turkish side in the Champions League play-offs also derailed their bid.

Will Mauro Icardi Leave Galatasaray?

As per Calciomercato, Icardi is increasingly likely to leave Galatasaray at the end of the season. The prolific ace turns 33 later this month and is keen for a new challenge, ideally in Serie A.

Spalletti also appears open to the transfer, having recently praised their work together during their stint at Inter.

“I never said they’d sign Icardi, I just said he’s a strong player and has the goal-scoring role in his DNA,” said Spalletti. “He helped me at Inter, so from a footballing and personal standpoint, he’s excellent.”

But while Juventus continue to circle, he would actually prefer to join one of their fiercest top-flight rivals.

Icardi’s ‘dream’ is to return to Inter Milan. He would be willing to take a significant pay cut on his €6million net per year salary to make the switch happen, but concrete talks over his expectations have not taken place.

For now, all options remain on the table. The eight-cap Argentina international has been offered an 18-month contract extension and will have to make a decision soon, with his current deal up on June 30.

He has scored an impressive 72 goals in his 117 games in Turkey, and looks ready-made to impress in Serie A again. As reported by FootItalia, Icardi was offered to Milan, Roma and Como, but remained in Istanbul.