Lautaro Martinez has criticized Romelu Lukaku amid a strained relationship between Lukaku and Inter.
Inter had been in talks with Chelsea regarding Lukaku’s potential transfer, but it was later revealed that Lukaku was also negotiating with Serie A rivals Juventus.
As a result of this development, Inter swiftly pulled out of the negotiations. While reports suggest that Lukaku attempted to mend fences with Inter and his former teammates, he was met with a cold reception from the squad.
Martinez, Lukaku’s former strike partner, expressed his disapproval of Lukaku’s “attitude” and revealed that the 30-year-old didn’t even respond to his calls during the tumultuous period.
“I was disappointed, it’s the truth. I also tried to call him in those days of chaos, he never answered me, the same he did with my other companions.
“After so many years together, after so many things lived together, I was disappointed. Thankfully, it’s his choice. I wish him the best. But I didn’t expect this attitude,” he stated to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
After a phenomenal last season where he scored 27 goals in 56 matches across all competitions, Martinez, has been handed the armband for the 2023-24 season.
He is ecstatic after being bestowed with the honour of leading the Serie A side and feels “ready” for the job.
“Wearing it means taking on more responsibility within the team, inside the locker room. But I’ve always done it before. I have a goal: to lend a hand to comrades in need. Important players have left?
“True, but I’m ready. For me it is a source of pride, I want to live up to the many champions who have worn the armband in Inter’s history and make everyone proud of me.
“I’m in my sixth season here: I understand everything, I know everything, what I’ve learned I make available. I told the newcomers that if they’ve arrived at Inter it’s because they have something and they’ve been chosen, not by chance.
“When you play, give everything and then the love of the fans will take care of the rest,” he stated.
Juventus are trying to persuade Chelsea to allow Lukaku to leave on another loan spell with an option to buy but the Blues remain adamant that they want a permanent sale.
On Thursday, Martinez is set to participate in a pre-season friendly against Al-Nassr at the Nagai Stadium in Japan.