Giuseppe Marotta's comments ahead of Inter vs. Sampdoria

MILAN- Sport CEO GiuseppeMarotta spoke to Sky Sport ahead of the match between Inter and Sampdoria. "There’s never been any tension with Icardi and our part, it was not about punishing the guy but a change for the good of the Club, the dressing room and the Inter fans. It’s certainly not about putting him aside but by speaking like in a family, it’s a decision that is part of a growth process, for him also. There are principles that the Club needs to ensure are respected and that’s part of the decision."

Marotta continued: "Spalletti has played a very important role in all of this, not just as a coach but also as a great man manager in the dressing room. Icardi was never excluded from the group, he’s an important player for us and must continue to be so. It’s a step in a growth process that we all need to underdo, it’s a decision that was made for the good of all. The season is still very long and we want to progress in the Europa League. Today, in the era of social media it’s impossible to wash your dirty laundry in the changing room as people used to say, but I’m convinced that we’ll find the best solution together. At this moment, the Club has to be there because we all want to grow together.

"The contract negotiations with Icardi are absolutely not related to this whole affair," continued the Sport CEO. "There are still two-and-a-half years left on his contract and we’ll deal with that at the right time as we’ve already said."