UCL, Icardi: "Returning to Barcelona will be special"

BARCELONA - From the press room in Camp Nou, Nerazzurri captain Mauro Icardi joined Joao Miranda in answering questions before Wednesday’s matchday three UEFA Champions League fixture against Barcelona: “It’s special to return to Barcelona, particularly because my footballing career started here. Being at the Blaugrana academy was an important stage of my career. I want to thank everyone because I grew as a footballer here and as a man. Playing at the Camp Nou will be special for me, exciting. It’s the first time.”

In terms of preparations, the Nerazzurri captain added: “We prepare for all matches in the same way and we must keep progressing on the path that we’ve been following since the arrival of the Coach. We know how difficult it is to play at Camp Nou, but we also know the group’s potential. Messi’s injury? It is a shame that he won’t be playing tomorrow. Obviously, it’s fortunate for us and we must try to make the most of it, although it’s great to play against top players.”

As for his attachment to the Nerazzurri colours, Icardi concluded: “I am really settled here in Milan, as are my family. I am focused on my objectives at Inter and I’ve never thought about leaving Milan. I am the team captain and I want to defend these colours in the best way possible.”