Icardi reacts angrily to 'career is in the balance' claim before transfer window

Mauro Icardi has described reports that his career is in the balance at Paris Saint-Germain as "a load of c***" in an angry social media post.

Icardi has become a peripheral figure at PSG, with the star-studded front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe frequently keeping him on the bench. The 29-year-old striker started just 10 Ligue 1 games last season and managed just five goals in 30 appearances in all competitions.

His situation in the French capital led Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport to claim that Icardi's career was 'hanging in the balance' ahead of the summer transfer window opening. That prompted a furious reaction from Icardi, who posted a screenshot of the article on his Instagram story alongside a lengthy caption.

"I'm in Africa, next year I'll let you organise my holidays, if you like," he wrote. "These stories are a load of c*** like every year. When I was scoring 30 goals a season it was the same thing. My career in the balance? I have two years left on my contract.

"I don't think it's in the balance as you suggest with this c***. At 29, don't worry that having scored 200 goals, I think everyone knows me well enough. Then I decide to stay and make myself available. Thanks a lot and a big hug from Africa with the gorillas, the lions and all my friends who have more respect. See you soon."

Icardi has a respectable record of 38 goals and 10 assists in 92 games for PSG since his joining the club from Inter Milan in 2019 on an initial loan deal before his move was made permanent in a £51million transfer. But his goal tally has been subsiding every season, falling from 20 in his debut campaign to 13 in the 2020/21 campaign to just five this time around.

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His time at PSG has not just been defined with struggles on the pitch - his love life has also regularly made the front pages. Icardi's relationship with his wife Wanda Nara, a well-known Argentine media personality and model, has been tumultuous to say the least.

Back in October, Nara announced she had signed divorce papers after accusing her husband of cheating. Icardi missed training and matches for PSG, only for the two to rekindle their romance before the month had ended. The story has created a regular sideshow at PSG.

As Icardi stated, he still has two years left on his PSG contract, but the news that Mbappe is staying, rather than leaving for Real Madrid, means the Argentina international will remain as second fiddle. His compatriot Angel Di Maria has already confirmed his exit this summer, while rumours continue to swirl about PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The arrival of Luis Campos as a replacement for sporting director Leonardo means change could be on the horizon in the French capital. Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, Roma manager Jose Mourinho and Nice manager Christophe Galtier have all been linked with the position.