Fabio Radaelli, the scout who discovered Inter striker Lautaro Martinez as a youngster, has discussed his potential move to Barcelona among other topics and started by recalling when he first seen him play.
“Despite only seeing him for a short time, I could see that he knew how to use both feet well. His action on the pitch, based on the experience I have, allowed me to understand that I was in the presence of an important striker,” he began an interview with Italian news outlet FCInterNews1908.it.
“I would be a liar if I said that I would have expected him to do this well in his career. He has jumped over any obstacles that have been put in front of him and today it seems that his talent has no limits.”
He was then asked to recommend what Lautaro should do amid the ongoing links to Barcelona.
“He must evaluate the situation with his agent. I want him to be where he feels happiest because he is a boy from a good family and very professional. It is a very personal decision.”
Radaelli was then asked if he thinks it would be possible for Lautaro to turn down Barcelona if Lionel Messi called and said he wanted him.
“It really depends on what he wants. It is clear that this interest has been manifested. It is a very personal decision. Whatever I say can be misinterpreted. Whatever he decides is fine.”
Next he was asked whether he thinks if it would be wise for Lautaro to move to Barcelona, where he might not necessarily be guaranteed of a starting berth like he is at Inter.
“I think he has the qualities to be able to play in any club in the world and you improve by playing with the best. If he had the chance to play with the best, in this case Messi, I think he would improve all the qualities he already has.
“Could he be a starter? I think so because if Barcelona is making a big effort to sign him it is because they intend to have him playing. It is difficult for them to sign him but Lautaro has a great chance to demonstrate how good he is as a player.”
He was then asked whether or not he has had any sort of contact with Lautaro as of late.
“I haven’t talked to him recently, I have respected this period of uncertainty. I called him when the pandemic started just to ask him how he was. I leave him alone, I’m just a little anxious to understand how this story will end.”
He was then asked what he thinks Lautaro’s best qualities are as a player.
“His best quality is his ability inside the box, he is an incredible goalscorer. He is opportunistic and has shown how much quality he has. He is always ready to score.
“I believe that as time passes he will further improve all he is good at. When he matures he will find much more peace of mind as experience helps you to solve situations on the pitch better than when you were younger.”
In conclusion, he suggested a player who Inter could move to replace Lautaro with in the event that he is to leave the club.
“In case Lautaro leaves, Rafael Santos Borrè of River Plate is an excellent striker although he does not have the same characteristics as Lautaro. He is someone who plays more in the box.”
