Gattuso explains why Lazio won’t sign Icardi as a free agent | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso says Lazio won’t sign Mauro Icardi as a free agent: ‘We made our choices.’

Serie A side Lazio won’t sign Argentine striker Icardi.

Even if the summer transfer window is over across Europe, the Argentine can still join any club as a free agent. His contract with Galatasaray expired in June 2026.

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Mauro Icardi of Galatasaray in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

His entourage and Lazio had talks this summer, and as reported by Sky Sport Italia, negotiations resumed last week, but the Biancocelesti have decided against signing the ex-Inter and Sampdoria star.

“Let’s put this whole Icardi mess to rest,” Gattuso said at a press conference on Friday (via Calciomercato.com).

“He has scored 250 goals in his career, and nobody questions his value. We made our choices; we signed Pinamonti and Gudmundsson, and when you give your word to players, you can’t go back on it. With all due respect to Icardi, I’ve discussed it with the president and the director, and it’s right to stick to what we have.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Lazio, looks on before the Serie A match between Bologna FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on August 24, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

“Right now, we already have players who have to sit out training because we have six full-backs. When Marusic returns, two of them will have to be left out, and that doesn’t look good.”

Icardi, 33, has scored 121 goals in 219 Serie A games.

Lazio have collected three wins and one draw in four Serie A games this season.

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 19, they visit strugglers Venezia at the Stadio Penzo.

Gattuso was appointed Lazio’s head coach last summer, signing a one-year contract through the end of the season, with an option for a further campaign.