First training session of the day is already underway and as expected, one player is out.
In (not so shocking) news, Sergio AGUERO left Argentina’s training session on Monday with a calf injury. It was expected that he had a knock and was already a out but at this point, it does look like he will certainly not start against Paraguay on Tuesday. The likely replacement is Atletico’s Nicolas GAITAN.
On this day in 2009, Martin PALERMO saved Argentina’s World Cup qualification chances with a goal which will forever be remembered. The scenario for Argentina going into the Monumental that night against Peru was simple. Anything but a win and chances of qualification for 2010 would have been very low (with one match remaining against Uruguay in Montevideo). MARADONA finally gave in and called up Gonzalo HIGUAIN who scored on his National Team debut in that match. But that was overshadowed by yet another chapter in Martin PALERMO’s incredible career.
Unfortunately, I slowly see some similarities between that qualification and the one we are currently in. But for now, let’s just enjoy the miracle from that night. Forever greatful to PALERMO, many (myself included) questioned MARADONA for calling up the veteran to the National Team. But you know what, for more than once in his career, he came up clutch for his team. Thank you PALERMO.
Latest news out of Argentina is that Sergio AGUERO could miss the match on Tuesday due to a knock.
Sergio AGUERO, who didn’t have a very good match against Peru, is likely to miss the match against Paraguay according to reports. The line-up would now include Nicolas GAITAN in on the right with Paulo DYBALA occupying the middle spot behind HIGUAIN.
Here’s the updated rumored line-up:
ROMERO; MERCADO, DEMICHELIS, MUSACCHIO, ROJO; MASCHERANO, BANEGA; GAITAN, DYBALA, DI MARIA; HIGUAIN
Mauro ICARDI has put pen to paper on a new contract which would keep him at the club until 2021.
The Inter captain has extended his current deal and put to bed all the rumors of any possible transfer. He also gets an increase in his salary with ICARDI now earning a reported £5 million a year.
According to reports, ICARDI rejected interest from clubs such as Juventus, Real Madrid, Tottenham and PSG. His new buy-out clause is that of £99 million (€110m). Inter confirmed the deal on their website with the following statement:
“FC Internazionale is delighted to announce that an agreement has been reached to extend Mauro ICARDI’s contract until 30 June, 2021.
“The Argentina striker, born in Rosario on 19 February 1993, joined Inter from Sampdoria in the 2013-14 season.
“Since then he has scored 58 goals in 114 games, giving him one of the highest goals-per-game ratios in Nerazzurri history.
“And there’s a whole lot more still to come…”
ICARDI is certainly looking to cement a legacy at the club. Speaking to the media, his wife (who also serves as his agent) had some interesting comments revealing that Juventus tried to sign ICARDI at the last minute of the transfer window.
“I’ve earned Mauro much more money. We’ve put in clauses and new conditions. If a club want to buy him, they’ll have to pay the clause of €110m. We adjusted the contract and extended it for five years, which is the maximum possible.
“We’re all happy, Mauro wants to stay. The club are happy with the extension, they wanted to keep Mauro and Mauro wanted to stay.
The club, however, also respect my work, I had five clubs willing to put several million on a plate.
“I pointed out to (Inter director Piero AUSILIO) that there were many offers, so was Mauro meant to stay or go? He replied: ‘Then show me these offers.’ I was upset, as we had bought a house in Milan and he’s happy here.
“Seeing as AUSILIO wanted to see the offers, I brought him the proposals from PSG, Napoli and Juventus. There was also Tottenham, although they spoke directly with Piero.
“Mauro was on the verge of joining Real Madrid and Juventus sought him until two minutes before they secured Gonzalo HIGUAIN.
“AUSILIO and I argued throughout the entire negotiation process, but in the end we’re always friends again. He’s a great professional.
“I swear on my children that Mauro knew nothing about what was happening. He wanted to keep his mind clear of these thoughts. However, he started seeing strange faces in the training retreat and at that point started asking me if the stories were true.
“Only at the end did he discover how advanced the negotiations with the other clubs really were.”
There will be a few players missing for Argentina come Tuesday night’s World Cup Qualifier against Paraguay in Argentina.
Argentina go into Tuesday’s match in Cordoba against Paraguay seeking a win to stay in the World Cup position in the table. The three points are a must after having drawn their last two matches. With that said, there will be some modifications, according to reports. Here’s the rumored line-up:
ROMERO; MERCADO, DEMICHELIS, MUSACCHIO, ROJO; MASCHERANO, BANEGA; AGUERO, DYBALA, DI MARIA; HIGUAIN
The big changes would be at the back and in midfield with Gabriel MERCADO, Martin DEMICHELIS (yes, DEMICHELIS) and Mateo MUSACCHIO coming in for Pablo ZABALETA, Nicolas OTAMENDI and Ramiro FUNES MORI. In midfield, Ever BANEGA comes in for Matias KRANEVITTER.
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