Hakan Calhanoglu reveals what he told Lautaro Martinez about the penalty against Torino, assuring he would never disrespect Milan in Inter’s Scudetto celebration.
The Nerazzurri clinched the title on Monday evening in a 2-1 victory over rivals Milan, so there was a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere at San Siro today.
“My kids keep asking when they can get on the pitch and today was a wonderful day for me and them,” Calhanoglu told DAZN with his children by his side in Inter shirts with ‘Dad’ in Turkish on the back.
“I am happy, playing in a packed stadium, enjoying my football so much, it’s all to their credit.”
It was only after a contentious Adrien Tameze red card at the dawn of the second half that Inter really got going against Torino, winning with Calhanoglu bagging a brace.
How does the Turkey international manage to be so effective from the spot, converting 16 in a row?
“It’s concentration, always being focused, because I don’t want to make a mistake, I want to keep scoring and put the ball in the net. The secret is to work hard and believe.”
Calhanoglu seemed to go over and ask Lautaro Martinez if he wanted to take the penalty, which could’ve ended a goal drought since February.
“I wanted him to take it, because it will be a pleasure for me to see him as Capocannoniere, but he told me to take it. We are a great group on and off the field, we spend a lot of time together and enjoy ourselves.”
Calhanoglu won’t follow Milan example
The former Milan midfielder was famously mocked by his ex-teammates during the Scudetto celebrations and was offended by that lack of respect, when they put his shirt on a blow-up doll, so has assured that although he feels a sense of revenge, it will not be stooping to that same level.
“I already explained, this is a wonderful day and I don’t want to talk about the other side. I want to enjoy myself today.”
Will he stir up trouble on the open top bus?
“No, I don’t make trouble. With all due respect for others, that’s not what I do.”
Calhanoglu was asked what Inter represents for him.
“Inter for me represents everything. They raised my value, brought what I had inside out of me and I owe it all to them.”
13 – Hakan Çalhanoglu has scored 13 goals in the current league season, the last midfielder to score more goals for Inter in a single Serie A campaign was Lothar Matthäus (16 in 1990/91). Star.#InterTorino #SerieA pic.twitter.com/ifw8co2N75
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) April 28, 2024