This is my home: Mauro Icardi committed to Inter despite Chelsea, Real Madrid links

Milan: Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi insisted Thursday that he was determined to reach an agreement for a new contract with the Serie A side.

"I'm happy to stay here, I care about this team," the Argentina striker said in an interview with Sky Sports Italia.

"I could have left, there were contacts (with other clubs), but then I decided to stay here for myself and my family.

"I dreamed of playing in the Champions League for Inter."

Icardi -- who has a release clause worth 110 million euros ($126 million) -- joined Inter from Serie A rivals Sampdoria in 2013.

The 25-year-old has scored 112 goals for the club, and was the joint top-scorer in Serie A with 29 last season.

"The renewal? I don't know if it will happen before Christmas, we will look for a solution," he added.

Icardi comes up against compatriot Gonzalo Higuain in Sunday's city derby against AC Milan at the San Siro.

"I don't see a rivalry, he's had a great career and he's a great striker. He's what Milan were missing. We'll be against each other in the game, but I'm calm and looking to do my best.

"It's the game the city most looks forward to. The goal for Inter remains to reduce the gap with Juventus and Napoli.

"I would like to win something with Inter, if you do things well the prize can come."

Luciano Spalletti's side are third in Serie A, eight points behind leaders Juventus.

They travel to Barcelona in the Champions League next Wednesday.

Both teams have six points from two games in Group B which also includes Tottenham and PSV Eindhoven.

"We had a great start in the Champions League, it sets us up well for the Barcelona game," Icardi added.

"We can hurt them like Roma did last year or the smaller clubs in Spain have this season."