Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek spoke about the recent rumors suggesting that Mauro Icardi could return to the yellow-red team. Speaking at an event organized by the 1905 Culture, Arts and Sports Association, Özbek denied reports regarding the Argentine striker's return.
Özbek stated that he had made an offer for Icardi to stay at Galatasaray, but that the player's expectations were higher. The president noted that the issue was not limited to financial terms alone, but that team planning was also a determining factor.
I made an offer for Mauro Icardi to stay. His expectations were much higher, and not just financially. Icardi is an icon; he gave a lot to Galatasaray and is someone who made a generation Galatasaray fans.
Özbek emphasized that the presence of Victor Osimhen in the center-forward rotation was an important factor in the decision-making process. Stating that it was not possible to give Icardi a "guarantee of playing time," Özbek said the club does not disregard the player's contributions.
The Galatasaray President also announced that they want to organize a farewell event for Icardi. Özbek said, "I am waiting for an answer from him regarding a farewell event; if he comes, we are planning a farewell."
In the same statement, Dursun Özbek also touched upon Fernando Muslera. Stating that the performance cycles of players in football can change, Özbek used the phrase "They booed Muslera" in relation to fan reactions.
Mauro Icardi, who has become one of the most beloved names among Galatasaray fans, appeared in 134 matches in the yellow-red jersey over four seasons. During this period, the Argentine footballer recorded 77 goals and 25 assists.
News Source: 12punto
