“It is difficult to discuss his future right now but I have something to say to him. Stay focused on the present, there is a season that is set to resume, there are objectives to be hit,” he began the interview which appeared on the online edition of the Milan based news outlet.
“There is no desire to sell Lautaro. He is young and is a functional element for Conte but then of course there is a release clause.
He was then asked if a signing as big as the signing of Romelu Lukaku last Summer could be repeated if Lautaro does indeed depart the club.
“As I said before, if Lautaro goes, a top player will arrive. In the upcoming market, at European level, the real difficulty will not be having to buy, but being able to sell.
“We are not in a hurry. I understand the desire for names, but we have to wait for the seasons to end and the clubs to be able to make future plans. One thing I will say though is in general, Neymar-style deals will not be seen again for many years.”
He was then asked about the continous links Inter have drawn in the media to Edinson Cavani and whether the Uruguayan is close to joining or not.
“He is one of the opportunities, he is being monitored as he is a footballer with an expiring contract but we have not gone into the matter any further. At the moment he is quite far from Inter.”
Marotta was then asked about Inter’s reported pursuit of both Brescia’s Sandro Tonali and Fiorentina’s Federico Chiesa.
“I cannot hide the fact that they are two talents. Fiorentina has high demands for Chiesa, which is why we have not started talks with them. Commisso wants €70 million for him? Maybe even more.
“Tonali is more affordable and a deal for him could be built better, he is a boy who is still growing.”
Next he spoke on the recent sale of former club captain Mauro Icardi to Paris Saint-Germain.
“We done good, it was a very difficult deal. This deal was done in a difficult period from a financial point of view. It is needless to think about yesterday, let alone tomorrow. The agreement we reached satisfies us today. We made a choice last year and we respected it now.”
Marotta then proceeded to discuss Inter January transfer window recruit Christian Eriksen and whether the Inter team will be built around him.
“The Dane is a jewel and a great player. Conte is the conductor and he is the one who must create the right tactical balance in the team. The next two months are indicative for getting to know each other better. It applies to the player and also to Conte.”
“I don’t look at others. With thanks to Conte, we have grown on a cultural and sporting level. There is no need to set limits and the bar should be raised. We are carrying out Suning’s mission and we want to win.”
Next Marotta discussed the Coppa Italia.
“We see it in front of us, even if at the moment a bit from a distance. We must try to win that trophy.”
He was penultimately asked whether he thinks the team have what it takes to win the Serie A title this season.
“The team are very busy in training and I was pleased by this. In such an anomalous league, anything can happen. We know the strength of our opponents but we must have ambition. We will also need favourable circumstances such as not having injuries at key moments.”
In conclusion he was asked what personal desires he wishes to fulfil in the remainder of his career.
“Retire with some more trophies won. At Inter, of course.”
