Lautaro Martinez has talked to the press for the first time since being appointed as the new Inter Milan captain.
In the wake of Samir Handanovic’s exit, the Serie A powerhouse had to find a new skipper, and they’ve chosen the Argentina international to lead the team.
Martinez has recently turned down a monstrous offer from Saudi Arabia to pledge his allegiance to Inter, and he has been adequately rewarded for his loyalty.
The 25-year-old has grown to become one of the most influential figures at Inter since joining the Nerazzurri from Racing Club in 2018, inspiring Simone Inzaghi’s side to five major domestic trophies.
After being handed a new role, the Argentine took to the press to offer Inter his gratitude, outlining his targets for the upcoming season.
“Wearing the armband means taking on more responsibility inside the locker room,” Martinez told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I was already doing that in the past. My goal is to help the teammates that need it.
“Since I became the captain, my only goal in mind has been to win the Scudetto and raise the trophy. People expect a lot from us.”
The Inter talisman also took stock of the ongoing transfer saga involving Romelu Lukaku’s future after the Chelsea striker’s return to Inter collapsed in mid-July.
Felt betrayed by his former partner in crime, Martinez couldn’t hide his frustration after the 30-year-old Belgian turned on stealth mode amid the Argentine’s efforts to reach him.
“He left me disappointed – I tried to call him too during those chaotic days, but he didn’t answer,” Martinez continued.
“The same thing happened to my teammates despite all these years together. It’s his choice. I wish him the best.
“I didn’t expect his behaviour.”
Martinez and Lukaku were stars of the show as Antonio Conte’s Inter won the Scudetto in 2020/21 to end a decade-long title drought in Serie A.
The duo almost led the Italians to their first Champions League trophy last season since the treble-winning campaign under Jose Mourinho in 2010.
But Manchester City stopped them in their tracks in the final, largely thanks to Lukaku’s incredible miss in the dying moments of the game.
