New Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez believes he’s ready to don the armband while revealing his disappointment with Romelu Lukaku.
The Argentine striker joined the Nerazzurri as a young prospect in 2018. Slowly but surely, he cemented himself as one of the main protagonists at the club. Nowadays, he has become the biggest attraction at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.
Following the departures of club senators Samir Handanovic, Danilo D’Ambrosio and Marcelo Brozovic, the 25-year-old became the natural candidate to inherit the captaincy.
However, the 2022 World Cup winner remains unfazed despite the growing pressure that accompanies the armband.
New Inter Milan Captain Lautaro Martinez Relishing Responsibility
Lautaro explains how he had always taken responsibility during his time at the club, so the captaincy won’t change much in this regard.
“Wearing this armband means taking on more responsibility within the team and inside the locker room,” said the attacker in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport via FcInterNews.
“But this is something that I have always done in the past. My goal is lending a hand to my teammates.”
The Argentina star explains how the Nerazzurri raised the bar last season and will continue to do so next year.
“We kept the bar high last season. Inter have been working hard for many years, at least since I came here.
“You can see the results on the pitch. We collected several trophies. Last season, we brought Inter back to its rightful place by reaching the Champions League final.”
Champions League Final In The Past
Speaking of the final in Istanbul, Martinez remains at peace with himself despite missing an important goal-scoring opportunity. The match ended 1-0 in favor of Man City.
“No, I don’t think about that chance. I’m fine with myself. I made the right choice. Some say I should have passed it to Brozovic or Lukaku.
“I made the decision to shoot in an instant and I’m at peace with myself. I’ve watched the videos many times with Guardiola already on the ground.
“But that’s not the only opportunity we had that evening. In my mind, I only carry with me all the great things we achieved.”
Lautaro reveals how he’d love to lift the Scudetto title as Inter Milan captain.
“From the moment I became captain, I have always wanted to win the Scudetto and lift the trophy myself.
“My teammates and I share the same objective. We left Inter at the top by the end of last season, so people expect a lot from us and we’ll start from there.”
The Argentine striker likens new Inter Milan signing Marcus Thuram to former Nerazzurri bomber Edin Dzeko who left the club last summer.
“Marcus is very intelligent, he knows how to use his physical strength. He’s also very technical.
“We need him, he is a champion, he will give us a big hand. We hope that he will quickly understand Inter’s playing style and the coach’s ideas.
“Marcus is more like Edin, he likes to receive the ball away from the penalty area, play with the team and communicate. But I have always adapted with everyone, both as first and second striker.”
No More LuLa At Inter Milan – Lautaro Martinez “Disappointed” With Romelu Lukaku
Naturally, the interviewer raised up the topic of Romelu Lukaku. For his part, Lautaro felt disappointed by his ex-teammate’s demeanor, revealing how he wouldn’t reply to his calls.
“I was disappointed, it’s true. I too tried to call Romelu in those chaotic days. But he never answered back. He did the same with some of my teammates.
“After so many years together, I was disappointed. But it’s his choice after all. So I wish him all the best.”
Finally, Lautaro revealed that he refused offers from the Saudi Pro League, while also explaining how Inzaghi improved him as a player.
“It’s true, the proposals have arrived. But I’m happy at Inter and in the city of Milano. I have no reason to leave. The same goes to my family.”
“Inzaghi made me understand that you can work hard and learn even with a smile on your face.
“It’s an aspect that always makes you feel positive, even when the results don’t come.”
