Icardi prepared for Inter’s friendly match in Qatar
Mauro Icardi will lead out the Serie A giants against Paris Saint-Germain in Doha on 30 December
Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi is relishing his role as skipper of the Italian giants and can’t wait to lead out the team in Doha when they face Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine striker was handed the armband by Inter coach Roberto Mancini at the start of the season and considers it a huge honour to lead one of Europe’s most prestigious sides.
Icardi and Inter will face PSG on Wednesday 30 December at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, kick-off 7.30pm. Tickets for the match are available online from www.qfa.qa.
Icardi said: “I’m very proud to be the captain of Inter. Wearing the armband is a dream and an honour. I know all about the history of Inter and I’m well aware that before me it’s been worn by wonderful players, such as our current vice-president Javier Zanetti. It’s a dream but it’s also a responsibility and I try to do it justice in every match and every training session.
“I don’t think it’s changed the way I play – that’s not something that depends on the armband. I like the responsibility and I think taking it very seriously is the best way to approach it.”

Icardi has led his side to the top of Serie A going into the winter break. After a disappointing eighth-place finish last season, Inter are desperate to qualify for the UEFA Champions League at the very least this campaign.
And Icardi knows the three-times European Cup winners must keep the momentum going when Serie A resumes in January.

“We’re all very pleased but we know we can’t let up. We need to keep working harder and harder because soon we’ll get to crunch time in the league and we need to be ready to give our all in every game.”
Icardi is looking forward to visiting Qatar, facing PSG and meeting Inter’s fans in the region.
He said: “It’s going to be a great occasion and we’re all desperate to perform well in front of our fans in Qatar. As always, I’ll be trying to do my best for the team and work hard both physically and tactically. It’s going to be a good test against a very strong side – a great run-out for all concerned.
“Football in Qatar and the Middle East has a big following. Inter have lots of fans here and we can’t wait to meet them. We know that they’re mad about their football – they know the game inside out and can name all the best players in the world. There have been lots of top players come and play in Qatar recent years and that’s made the league a real spectacle.”