Mauro Icardi: I came here to help PSG win as many trophies

With strong links around the exit of Edinson Cavani, Icardi may sign for the Ligue 1 champions on a permanent deal soon.

The Argentine forward Mauro Icardi joined Paris Saint Germain in the summer transfer window earlier this season on loan from Inter. While many will argue on the pattern of his game time, one simply cannot disagree on the quality the striker has as he has been a part of 17 goals in 18 games for the club. Talking to PSG TV, Icardi talks about his stay at the club so far this season, his objectives in the future and much more. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Mauro, how do you feel five months after joining Paris Saint-Germain?

"I feel great, I was lucky enough to make a good start with the club. I came here with lots of motivation to show what I can do on the pitch. For the moment, it's working well. As soon as I got the chance to play, I was always talking to my teammates, telling them what I could do, where I like the ball, the runs I make. That's why you need to have a good relationship with your teammates. All of that contributed to helping me settle in very quickly."

You score a goal with every 16 touches of the football in Ligue 1... a real finisher... is that something you work on?

"My style of play just comes naturally. I don't work on it that much. I always try to be in the best position possible and to be as accurate as possible. When I get the chance to score, I have to be focused and in 'killer' mode. Today, I have scored nearly 150 goals and they are nearly all the same. That's my style."

How do you build that style and character on the pitch?

"We are always learning and learning from everyone. Everyone has their own way of seeing football. I have always listened to every coach I had and all my teammates too. We always talk and I always listen to how they see the game and I learn from each of them. I have always been this way. In every team I've ever played in, I was always the goal scorer, the player than won matches, and it has followed me into my professional career." [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

What are your objectives for the second half of the season?

"I came here to help the team win as many trophies as possible. The aim for the club and the supporters is to see Paris Saint-Germain win. I will do everything I can on the pitch to make that happen."

At 26 years of age, you have already lived and played in several countries. What did you learn over the years?

In Barcelona, I learned a lot about tactics and technique. The philosophy of the game is very strong. It helped me in Italy to adapt and understand the game. The same goes for my movement on the pitch, because in Italy they weren't used to the moves I made. All that developed my playing intelligence on the pitch. Tactics and physical impact also built the player I am today. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

You just broke Zlatan Ibrahimovic's record as the fastest man to score ten goals for Paris Saint-Germain. What does it represent to you to already have a first record here?

I didn't know it and it's a source of pride to achieve this kind of thing and make history for a team like Paris Saint-Germain. I try to always be prepared and to always be an option for my team-mates with my runs and my movement so that they can find a free player in attack. I'm always ready and focused to move as quickly as possible as soon as I receive the ball.

How have you developed such a strong understanding on the pitch with your teammates, so quickly?

We have a team with a lot of quality players. The team often has possession of the ball and I, as a striker, try to be the first line of defence. I also step out to try and open up spaces. The opposing teams sit deep and there isn't much space in the penalty box. That's why I help my team-mates as much as I can, with or without the ball, by creating space. It helps the team score goals. That's what team play is all about. [KH_ADWORDS type="2" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Finally, what advice would you give to youngsters who dream of becoming a great striker?

It's very difficult to reach the top level. The advice I always give to kids is to work hard and enjoy playing football. And if one day they have the opportunity to reach the top level, they should be consistent, professional and become responsible players and people.