Icardi returns to Inter training after six-week absence

Mauro Icardi has returned to training with Inter Milan this Tuesday following a six-week absence after he was stripped off the club captaincy last month.

Icardi, who had not worked with the rest of his team mates since 13 February, took part in a training session directed by Inter coach Luciano Spalletti, according to a video published on the Inter website this Tuesday.

The Argentinean international had been left on the side lines amid the tense contract negotiations with Inter, who – angered by both the player’s attitude and public statements made by his wife and agent Wanda Nara – stripped him of the captain’s armband “for the good of the squad”.

During the following six-week period, Icardi had been left out of Spalletti’s squad for all of Inter’s fixtures, reportedly by his own accord, and was not even present at the San Siro to watch the team from the stands.

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Icardi to Inter: “I don’t know if there is respect and love for me”

Inter cited a knee problem as the reason for his absence. However Icardi himself didn’t hide his feelings regarding the club’s apparent lack of respect towards him in an open letter posted to his Instagram account on 28 February.

"I have always disapproved of those who have left at the first chance. I have rejected offers that a professional footballer really can't refuse,” said the player.

"I don't know if, in these moments, there is respect and love for me and for Inter from some who are making the decisions."

The controversy surrounding Inter and the Milanese club had prompted strong speculation in Italy and Europe about the future of the Argentinean, who has not featured for Inter since their clash with Parma on 9 February.

Following Icardi’s return to training this Tuesday, Spalletti could name him in his squad for Sunday’s game against Lazio, giving him a chance to add to his tally of just nine Serie A goals this season – his lowest since his first year with Inter in 2013-14.