Mauro Icardi: "Real Madrid tried to sign me"

Argentine forward Mauro Icardi has claimed that Real Madrid tried to sign him this summer before he extended his contract at Inter Milan.

The 22-year-old netted 22 league goals for Inter last season, which led to a host of speculation surrounding his long-term future.

Icardi has said that Real Madrid wanted to bring him to Spain, but the possibility of leaving Inter never crossed his mind.

"Real Madrid tried to sign me, but I'm glad I renewed [my contract] with Inter, whom I'll will play with in the Champions League next season," Icardi has been quoted as saying by AS.

The striker represented Barcelona's youth team between 2008 and 2011.