Lautaro Martinez opened up about his difficult debut season with Inter, his emotions after missing the decisive penalty against Atletico Madrid and his struggles with injuries last campaign.
The 26-year-old Argentinian striker played a leading role in the Nerazzurri’s charge to their 20th Scudetto this season, netting 24 goals and providing six assists across 33 league matches, forming a strong partnership with new arrival Marcus Thuram.
Lautaro was named the Serie A MVP for the season, reflective of his impressive work. In the background, the club are trying to wrestle out a new contract for the striker, who is asking for a lofty raise that would make him one of the highest paid players in the league.
Lautaro opens up
Speaking on Diletta Leotta’s podcast via Calciomercato.com, Lautaro first reflected on his difficult debut season with Inter.
“The first year in Italy and at Inter there was Icardi. I didn’t play much, I also thought about leaving and returning to Argentina. I was used to always playing. It was complicated but Inter made me always gave a great hand.”
He looked back at how he dealt with defeats and how that’s changed since becoming a father.
“I had a strong character. When I lost, I spent hours and hours not talking to anyone, not even to her or my parents. Agus was always there, then I changed with the birth of my children. When I return home, I become someone else.
“I understand that this is a sport, I always play to win clearly, but I leave everything on the pitch. If I lose on the pitch I train more, but I have to give the time I spend with my children 100% and not 70% because I lose or draw.”
Lautaro was then asked how he felt after returning home following his decisive penalty miss.
“Really p*ssed off.”
He spoke about his happiness in Milan.
“Milan is my home. From the first moment I felt it like this. I immediately felt the warmth of the fans and the help of those who work in the Inter world, it was fundamental for me. I felt loved from day one.”
The Argentinian striker commented on the physical struggles he endured last season.
“Last year was challenging. Tiring. I had an ankle problem, I didn’t do the World Cup I wanted and I had to decide whether to have surgery or not. I no longer wanted to take painkillers and pills.
“After the Champions League final, we went to Greece. I turned off my phone and rested. Then Theo was born.”
Finally, Lautaro discussed the influence of Diego Milito.
“When I was at Racing I had three offers from Europe. Inter were the most interested, the most concrete. I spoke a lot with Milito, Diego advised me to come here. We always talk every week, he’s a great friend who gave me the ‘kick’.”