Icardi: Inter don't need Simeone - we have Pioli

Mauro Icardi says Inter have no need to wait for Diego Simeone to take over as coach as they have a sound leader in Stefano Pioli.

Boring, boring Serie A? No chance!

With Suning Holdings Group now the majority stakeholder of the Milan side, big investment in the first team is expected and a high-profile coach is said to be one of their highest priorities.

Atletico Madrid boss Simeone has been seen as one of the favourites and a return to San Siro, where he spent two years as a player, has long been talked about for the Argentine.

Icardi, though, believes Pioli, who has brought Inter up to sixth in Serie A after replacing Frank de Boer at the helm, should be given a fair hearing from those in charge.

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When asked about the chances of his compatriot taking over, the striker told reporters: “It’s a rumour that has been going around, but we are not waiting for another coach. Pioli is a talented tactician and his arrival turned our season around. I think the club will take that into account.”

The 24-year-old is pleased with the progress the Nerazzurri have made so far and, as captain and top scorer, he hopes he can help them go even further.

“We want to play in the Champions League and we’ll try to the very end,” he added.

“I started the season very well, scoring a lot of goals, and I hope to end it in the best possible way too. I can’t explain why Inter are in sixth place and out of Europe. Suning, who bought Inter and intend to take them back to the top in Europe, are working on it.”

Icardi has been linked with a move away from Inter over recent transfer windows, but he opted to renew his contract which keeps him tied to the club until 2021, and he maintains he has no plans to leave any time soon.

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"I renewed the deal because it was something I had arranged with Inter a year ago. I had offers from other leagues, but I always said I am an Inter fan, it’s important to continue with this shirt and get to win something with this club.

“Obviously, I am a forward, and when you get goals, you get transfer rumours and offers. But, as I said, I am an Inter fan and representing this side makes me very proud.

“I think Italian football suits me the most. I always said that, for me, my future is at Inter. If other clubs want me, they have to talk to the president, but my belief is that my future will be at Inter."