Prolific striker, Mauro Icardi, who joined Inter in 2013 from Sampdoria has been stripped of the Inter Milan captaincy in favour of goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, this information was released by the Italian club on Wednesday.

The need for a switch became important as 25 year old Icardi is yet to sign a new contract amid protracted negotiations between the club and his wife Wanda Nara, who doubles as his agent.

The Seria A club announced via twitter saying ” new captain of the team is Samir Handanovic”. Inter Milan currently sit third in Serie A, 20 points behind champions Juventus, and five points ahead of city rivals AC Milan in fourth.

Luciano Spalletti’s side returned to winning ways last weekend against Parma having taken just one point from their three previous Serie A games.

Spalletti had after the game demanded a swift conclusion to the contract negotiations. The Chinese owned club crashed out of the Champions League and are set to travel to Rapid Vienna for their Europe League round of 32, first-leg game on Thursday.