Lautaro Martinez has no regrets about the time he nearly joined Barcelona, committing himself to Inter and hoping to break his goal drought against them tomorrow.
It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) at Camp Nou.
This remains a head-to-head for Champions League Round of 16 qualification in second place behind runaway leaders Bayern Munich, as the Nerazzurri are on six points and Barca three.
It was absolutely no secret that the Blaugrana tried to sign Lautaro Martinez several times over the last few years, but he signed a new contract to stay at San Siro.
Inevitably, he was asked about those transfer rumours in his press conference in Catalunya.
“I work to help my teammates and to improve every day. I feel very proud to be a symbol of Inter. It has been many years since the negotiations with Barcelona, I am at Inter now and I give everything for this team,” replied Toro.
“We know Barcelona have a lot of quality in one-on-one situations, but we controlled the game quite well at San Siro and will try to do what we prepared here too.
“We would not be happy with just a draw here, though.”
Angel Di Maria limped off for Juventus this evening and is at risk for the World Cup, as is Roma star Paulo Dybala, so Argentina will be keeping a close eye on Lautaro Martinez’s fitness.
“They are two very important players, we’ll see. Hopefully Di Maria’s injury is not serious.”
Lautaro Martinez has not found the net for several matches and Simone Inzaghi urged him to keep focusing on creating the opportunities.
“I am calm, doing my work for the team. Every striker has periods like this and the goal comes when you least expect it.”
Grande Lautaro