Victor Blanco, the president of Racing Club, has revealed that Inter striker Lautaro Martinez rejected a move to Real Madrid as an 18-year-old.
Blanco’s revelation comes amid reports in the media that have linked Lautaro with a move to Los Blancos but one report has also suggested that they have withdrawn their interest in signing him due to not wanting to sell any currently registered non-EU players to make way for him.
“When he was 18, Real Madrid came in for him and wanted to sign him in a loan with option to buy deal,” Blanco remarked in an interview with Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo.
“He refused the possibility of joining them because he wanted to win with Racing before leaving. He remained and his goals were clear.
“The money on offer was not small but he very much knew what he wanted. He did very well for the club and he has always behaved in an exemplary manner. His growth has been dizzying.”
Lautaro joined Inter in the Summer of 2018 in a circa €20 million deal and has really kicked on this season alongside Romelu Lukaku in the Inter attack which has led to a whole array of clubs sparking an interest in signing him.
This season the 22-year-old sensation has made 31 appearances across all competitions to date, in which he has scored 16 goals and provided four assists for his Inter teammates.