Inter`s 2-0 defeat against Fluminense in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup on Monday triggered a crisis within the team. Club captain Lautaro Martinez spoke to DAZN after the match, clarifying his stance on the difficult period the squad is experiencing. This tough spell includes a trophyless 2024-25 season, a heavy 5-0 loss in the Champions League final to PSG, and a managerial change, with former coach Simone Inzaghi joining Al-Hilal before Cristian Chivu, a 2010 Champions League winner, was appointed as the new head coach.
Inter is entering a new cycle, but some key players might leave this summer. Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, according to numerous reports, is in discussions to join Galatasaray.
Lautaro Martinez spoke very openly about the current situation, making an indirect reference to Calhanoglu.He stated: “The message is clear – whoever wants to stay, stays; whoever doesn’t want to stay must leave. We are fighting for an important shirt and we have to fight for important goals… I won`t name names. We are here to give our all, but I saw many things that I didn`t like. So as captain, as a group leader, with the coach first, but I have to say it because that`s who I am. I`m on one side or the other. I want to fight for the goals because we are a great team, we have returned to the top, and I want to continue.”
Inter President Beppe Marotta made it clear, after Lautaro`s interview, that the Argentinian striker was indeed referring to Calhanoglu.
Marotta commented: “I interpret his words positively. Lautaro, as captain, has highlighted some assumptions and some truths. One thing I always say, if a player wants to leave, it`s right that he goes. There is no one who has concretely expressed this intention. He was perhaps referring to Calhanoglu, but it is part of the end-of-season dynamics that we have always faced calmly. We will talk to Calhanoglu and we will deal with it in the best way for the interests of Inter and his team. This call from Lautaro is shared by the club. This must be the winning spirit that can take us far.”
As the tension increased, the Turkish player issued a statement published on his social media channels, calling for respect.
Calhanoglu`s statement read: “After the injury in the Champions League final, we still decided that I would travel with the team to the United States. Being there, even without being able to play, was important to me. I wanted to be close to the group, to give my support. Unfortunately, during a training session in the USA, I suffered another injury – in a different area. The diagnosis was clear: a muscle tear. That`s why I couldn`t play in this competition. That`s all. No hidden stories. Yesterday we lost. And it hurts. I experienced it with sadness, not only as a footballer but as a person who truly cares about this team. Despite the injury, right after the final whistle, I called some teammates to show my support. Because when you care, that`s what you do.”
“What struck me the most, however, were the words that came afterward. Harsh words. Words that divide, not unite. In my entire career, I have never looked for excuses. I have always taken my responsibilities. I have played even through pain. And in difficult moments, I have always tried to be a point of reference. Not with words, but with actions. I respect every opinion – even that of a teammate, even that of the president. But respect cannot be one-sided. I have always shown it, both on and off the pitch. And I believe that in football, as in life, true strength lies in knowing how to respect each other, especially in the most delicate moments. I have never betrayed this shirt. I have never said I was unhappy at Inter. In the past, I received offers – even very significant ones. But I chose to stay. Because I know what this shirt means to me. And I thought my choices spoke for themselves. I had the honor of being the captain of my national team. And there I learned that the true leader is the one who stays by his teammates` side, not the one who looks for a culprit when it`s easier to do so. I love this sport. I love this club. And I love these colors, for which I have given everything every day. The future? We`ll see. But history will always remember those who stood tall. Not those who raised their voice the loudest.”
Calhanoglu joined the Nerazzurri on a free transfer in the summer of 2021 after his contract with city rival AC Milan expired. Since then, he has scored 38 goals in 182 matches, winning one Serie A title, two Coppa Italia, and three Supercoppa Italiana titles, becoming one of the fan favorites.
