Lautaro Martinez believes ‘time and patience’ is needed before he can regularly pair up with Mauro Icardi in Inter’s attack.
Martinez has begun his Inter career playing second fiddle to Icardi, despite the Nerazzurri committing to spending €21m on the Argentine, but the forward is confident a partnership with his fellow Argentine will eventually suffice.
“Mauro was very close to me from the first day I arrived,” he told La Nacion.
Lautaro Martinez believes ‘time and patience’ is needed before he can regularly pair up with Mauro Icardi in Inter’s attack.
Martinez has begun his Inter career playing second fiddle to Icardi, despite the Nerazzurri committing to spending €21m on the Argentine, but the forward is confident a partnership with his fellow Argentine will eventually suffice.
“Mauro was very close to me from the first day I arrived,” he told La Nacion.
“The first time we met he told me, ‘call me if you need anything. My phone is always on.’
“He helped me look for an apartment, making me understand my new way of life better and letting me integrate into my new surroundings.
“Mauro is like that with everyone, not just Argentines. He makes himself available to every new player who joins Inter and acts as a reference point in the team.
“Our relationship has been excellent from our first day together, both on and off the field.
“Sometimes we manage to watch Racing’s games together, even if he cheers on Newell’s Old Boys. The two of us on the field together? It takes time and patience.”
The 21-year-old then expressed his desire to also make a difference away from football.
“I want to create a foundation that helps people in need,” he continued.
“At Racing I participated in many solidarity events, even in my city [Bahia Blanca]. Here at Inter we delivered gifts to hospitals in Milan over Christmas.
“Helping others touches me and always gives me great pleasure. Also in this sense, I can learn a lot from someone like Zanetti.”