Inter Milan icon Giuseppe Bergomi believes Oaktree needed to secure an agreement with Lautaro Martinez to kick off their cycle on a positive note.

After some back-and-forth negotiations, the Nerazzurri finally managed to find an agreement with the club captain.

The Argentina international should soon ink a new deal valid until 2029. He will reportedly collect 9 million euros per year in addition to bonuses.

For his part, Bergomi considers it a timely move for Oakrtree who have recently taken over the club following Suning’s default.

“There had already been a rumor that I didn’t like, so Lautaro’s decision to renew with Inter is essential to launch the new cycle with Oaktree,” said the 60-year-old in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport via FcInterNews.

“Moreover, this has excited the entire Nerazzurri environment. Toro will still receive a great salary, but elsewhere he could have earned even more.

“And we know how many stars have left in the past in search of higher salaries.”

Inter Milan Legend Praises Lautaro Martinez For Deciding To Stay At The Club

Nevertheless, the legendary defender also sees it as a smart technical choice on the striker’s part.

“Lautaro understood how the love of fans and teammates was a unique propellant.

“His and his wife’s attachment to Milan certainly had an impact, but the choice is also technical. He knows that at Inter can still win a lot, while the Nerazzurri know they can count on a real captain.

“In the past, you could see him sad and desperate whenever he suffered a goal drought. This season, however, in difficult times, he displayed a completely different attitude.

“You can see that he now feels he’s a leader and is always fighting for the cause and working for the team.

“Lautaro honored the armband on the pitch both with his performances and with his behavior.

Bergomi also had words of praise for other Inter Milan stars, including Davide Frattesi and Nicolo Barella.

“The whole Inter squad did well. Even those who have played less like Frattesi have never made any complaints or controversies.

“Nicolò Barella is another lad who has also grown a lot in terms of attitude.

“Now, however, he is more serene and is willing to sacrifice himself in defense, which cost him in terms of goals.”