Inter Milan President Confirms: ‘Lautaro Martinez Comments Were Aimed At Hakan Calhanoglu'
The Nerazzurri President spoke to Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews, after today's 0-2 loss to Fluminense in the Club World Cup. He also addressed the possibility that Calhanoglu could leave.
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Lautaro Martinez did not mince words with his words after today's Club World Cup loss to Fluminense.
The Inter Milan captain insisted that 'anyone who wants to leave, should leave' in his comments after the match.
This may partly have been a reaction to the result. Clearly, Inter were frustrated after a surprise exit from the Club World Cup.
However, at the same time, it was hard not to read between the lines of the Nerazzurri captain's outburst.
First of all, coach Simone Inzaghi left Inter at the start of this month. He did so to chase big money at Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
Then, in the last few weeks, Hakan Calhanoglu has been at the centre of transfer rumours. There are some reports that the Turkish international is pushing for a transfer to Galatasaray.
Inter President Marotta Confirms: 'Lautaro Comments Were Aimed At Calhanoglu'
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by)
After the comments by Martinez, Inter President Marotta said that 'these are the words of a captain.'
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'There are some suppositions, and some truths that I'm underlining.'
'It's something I always say,' the Nerazzurri President continued. 'That when a player no longer wants to be somewhere, it's right for them to go.'
'To date, no one has expressed such a desire.'
Marotta admitted that 'I imagine [Martinez] was talking about Calhanoglu.'
The Inter President then said that the club 'will talk with [Calhanoglu] and find the best possible resolution.'
Marotta added that Martinez's words 'are something the club shares, in a winning spirit that can take us far.'
Meanwhile, Marotta added that Inter 'must always thank' Calhanoglu for what he has contributed.
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'Today, the transfer window officially opens. And we have to have strong positions.'
The Inter President made clear that Calhanoglu 'hasn't expressed anything to us at the moment.'
'But we're ready to listen to him. And to all the other players.'
'For now no one's said that they want to leave,' said Marotta.
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