Inter rules out Icardi sale: 'Anything else is just talk'

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio denied suggestions that the club has put striker Mauro Icardi on the market after a series of tweets from the player's wife raised questions over a potential move.

Wanda Nara, who also serves as Icardi's agent, said on social media that the Nerazzurri couldn't promise the 23-year-old a new contract.

The tweets, which have since been deleted, seemed to suggest that Inter had put up Icardi for sale amid interest from Atletico Madrid and Juventus.

But Ausilio told reporters that Inter hasn't forced Icardi's exit in any way.

Speaking about Sunday's drama, Ausilio added, "I'm not angry about it, I just would have preferred to spend my Sunday differently. It made me smile to be honest, but I do think it was the wrong time and the wrong place. You always have the opportunity to discuss these things but I feel it was done in the wrong way. It should be done in private.

"In any case, one day of headlines is enough. Let's talk about things that matter. Icardi signed a new contract a year ago, we've made him our captain, and he's not for sale. Anything else is just talk."

Icardi finished as Inter's top scorer for a second consecutive season, registering 16 goals and four assists in 2015-16 despite an indifferent start to the campaign. Manager Roberto Mancini wasn't afraid to bench the Argentina international, but Icardi reclaimed a spot in the starting XI.

Icardi has a contract with the club that runs until June 2019.