Lautaro responds to Barcelona: Inter is my home

Lautaro Martinez has reassured Inter fans that he is happy at the club and has revealed how turning his childhood dream into a reality has made him even more modest amid speculation of a potential move to Barcelona.

Barcelona have been rumored lately for the transfer of Lautaro Martinez as Luis Suarez’s replacement. However, these speculations have tended to silence Inter’s Argentine in his latest interview.

“I’m happy here, it’s my home and I trust Contes. Interest from other clubs means that I am developing and working properly. This is the most important thing. This is my home. I will always be grateful to Inter for helping me grow,” the 22-year-old told La Repubblican.

Lautaro signed a contract with Nerazzurri in July 2018, when he was transferred from Racing Club. At San Siro he has already become a regular fixture for Antonio Contes’s squad.

“I turned down other offers. I chose this club for its history, the level of players and the love of the fans. I spoke with Vice President Javier Zanettin through messages. When I came here, it was like I had been away from home for a long time,” Lautaro added.

He went on to explain how difficult childhood has helped his personality and how they have this in common with attacking partner Romelu Lukaku.

“I had an uncomfortable childhood, but I got here because of my parents. My dad played soccer when he was young, and he and his brothers and I shared that passion. We had no money, but we always had a plate and a ball on the table.”

“Such experiences reinforce you, help you stay grounded and be modest. In this respect, Lukaku and I are alike.”

Finally, Martinez clarified his love for Lionel Messi and showed why he remains grateful to his now-loaned Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Mauro Icard.

“Lionel Messi is like Diego Maradona to us. I would love to help him and Argentina win the World Cup. I dream of playing in that tournament.”

“When I came here, he [Icardi] helped me a lot to adjust. We are still in touch with each other because we are friends and he is happy.”