Inter Milan Vice-President Javier Zanetti has revealed that Lautaro Martinez will likely be the next Inter Milan captain.
Speaking to Argentine broadcaster ESPN Argentina, via FCInter1908, the Nerazzurri Vice-President also confirmed that a transfer of striker Facundo Colidio to River Plate is in the pipeline.
Samir Handanovic has said goodbye to Inter after eleven seasons at the club.
The Slovenian departs after having worn the captain’s armband in his last four seasons and change.
Therefore, Inter will have to replace Handanovic as captain on a permanent basis.
Whilst there are a few possible candidates to replace the Slovenian in the role – for example Nicolo Barella and Federico Dimarco – Martinez has always looked like a fairly logical candidate.
The 25-year-old has been at Inter since 2018. He has always shown his loyalty to the Nerazzurri.
Moreover, despite his key role for this Inter team on the pitch, he is also a leader within the squad.
Therefore, reports have linked with Argentine as the next man to wear the armband for some time.
Zanetti: Lautaro Martinez Will Likely Be Next Inter Milan Captain
One man who has plenty of experience being Inter captain is Zanetti.
Before hanging up his boots and taking on a role behind the scenes, the Argentine was Inter’s captain for more than a decade.
And for his part, Zanetti would see Martinez as an appropriate candidate to take on the role starting with the 2023-24 season.
Asked if he expects the striker to be the next Inter captain the Vice-President replied”He will very likely be, yes.”
“Lautaro is a very important player for us,” he continued. “He’s a reference point.”
Of the Nerazzurri’s decision to sign Martinez from Racing Club in 2018, Zanetti explained that “We didn’t sign him with an eye on the short term. We were thinking in terms of four or five years ahead.”
Inter Milan Working To Sell Facundo Colidio To River Plate
Zanetti also spoke about the situation of striker Facundo Colidio.
“Colidio has shown great development at Inter,” the Vice-President said.
“He played for the Primavera team, then went out on loan to the Belgian league.”
“At Tigre, he felt more like he could become a top player, and that’s what he proved to be,” Zanetti said of Colidio.
“That’s why so many clubs want to sign him.”
As for Colidio’s future, Zanetti said that “Perhaps River. We had an agreement with Boca, but the player wanted to wait and consider his options. Now we’re in talks with River Plate.”