Lautaro Martinez has distanced himself from reports linking him with a move to Barcelona to play alongside friend Lionel Messi as part of an interview with Sky Sport.
“I asked him before the match for his shirt and he gave it to me so I am happy. My relationship with him comes from the time spent together in the national team,” he told the broadcaster.
“He is a player who is very attentive to every detail and a reference point. He is important for everyone in the national team. Being part of the national team with him is a real honour.
“Playing with him at Barcelona? For the time being I only think about Inter and I can play with Messi for Argentine. Playing with him is a dream come true because he’s someone I’ve adored since I was a child.”
He was then asked about what he and his teammates learned from Wednesday’s loss to Barcelona and what its like to work with Inter manager Antonio Conte.
“We learned a lot, there were a lot of young players on the pitch, myself included, and we knew that we had to give something more. Barcelona has a lot of class and we will try to correct the mistakes we made with Conte who wants to work a lot with us.
“Right after I finished the Copa America, he called me and told me he wanted me to train, he is a manager that I really like. He has an important way of thinking, he always asks for hard work, so that the things we do in training work out on the pitch.
Next he was asked for his thoughts on Juventus’ squad ahead of this weekend’s match with the Bianconeri.
“Juve has many important players, it will be a difficult match just like Wednesday was. We will try to recover physically in order to face them at our best.
“Everyone knows how good Cristiano Ronaldo is, he is an important player like Messi but we will be challenging so many important players on Sunday so we will try to do our best.”
He then played down the idea that Inter could be Serie A champions come the end of the season.
“We think game by game, we have a different mentality thanks to Conte and the players. We try to leave the best possible image on the pitch, then we will see what happens.”
Next he was asked whether this year is his year.
“Last year was one of adaptation for me. I expected to play more but it did not happen for various reasons. This year I felt good in the national team, in the Copa America, it was fundamental to have confidence in myself. I hope to continue with this intensity and I hope the goals arrive.”
He concluded by speaking on Mauro Icardi’s situation.
“It was a problem between him and the club, he needed to play and I am glad that he is now playing at PSG. I talked to him and others, I am happy that everything is going well.”