Lautaro Martínez gave an exclusive interview to Gazzetta dello Sport

After lifting Inter Milan’s 20th Serie A title as captain, Lautaro Martínez gave an exclusive interview to Gazzetta dello Sport.

**Lautaro, what does it feel like to hold the championship trophy?**
"It’s an unforgettable joy. I consider Inter my home. I felt this way from my first day here. Moreover, I have a deep connection with Milan; there’s a special atmosphere here, my children are growing up here, and my wife owns a restaurant here. I feel the love of the people. I want to thank the club and Inter’s fans; they have supported me from the beginning. It’s because of them that I became Inter’s captain, which is both an honor and a responsibility. Raising the championship trophy, which represents our second star, while wearing the captain’s armband, is a dream come true in football," said Lautaro.

**As captain, what kind of leader are you?**
"I told my teammates from the start that a captain needs everyone’s support. I talked with Darmian, Acerbi, Dimarco, Bastoni, Barella, and others. I need their help, and they’ve supported me by helping newcomers understand what Inter means and our path forward together. For example, at the beginning of the season, I had a straightforward talk with Asllani because I felt he was a bit discouraged and needed a push, which helped him grow. He didn’t talk to me for a while after that, but he eventually understood and thanked me. That’s my role now, but I don’t see myself becoming a coach in the future."

**Winning the Serie A title and the top scorer award simultaneously is a feat only five Inter players have achieved. How does it feel to be part of history?**
"It’s pure joy. My stats show that I improve every season because that’s my mindset – constantly trying to surpass myself and set new goals. Of course, the team is more important than the individual, and my performance is the result of the team’s hard work."

**What new things did you bring to your game this season, and what do you want to improve next season?**
"This season, I had new movements and positioning since I was playing as a center forward instead of a second striker. I partnered with Thuram, whose role was to find deep spaces and link up with others. My most important goals this season were in the match against Juventus in Turin and after the Italian Super Cup against Fiorentina. Despite injuries and losing our lead in the standings, we sent a decisive signal. My goals decreased from February, but you can’t only focus on goals. Sometimes luck isn’t on your side, but what matters is the chances you create and your contribution to the team. I need to avoid goal droughts, but even when I don’t score, I always help the team fully."

**Regarding your playing style, do you work better with Lukaku or Thuram?**
"With Romelu (Lukaku), we had some great performances. He’s the type who can draw two defenders. With Marcus (Thuram), I have more options and space; his movement frees you up, and he’s a great guy who brings smiles to the locker room. We’re different; he says I smile too little, maybe he smiles too much (laughs). I wouldn’t dress like him either – it takes courage! Joking aside, I didn’t expect to get along so well with Marcus, but training and playing together from the preseason helped a lot. After many years, I finally had a full preseason and overcame the ankle issue that troubled me during the World Cup."

**Has Lukaku contacted you?**
"No, during that well-known period last year, he didn’t return my calls. That was the end for both of us. We’ve moved on."

**How long do you think your winning cycle can last?**
"Inter went through years without trophies, but in the last four years, we’ve always won something. This cycle must continue. Marotta is right; we must keep raising our level. I don’t want to choose between goals – I want all the trophies, but our next step is the Champions League. We were close to that dream in Istanbul. I also want to replay the match against Atlético Madrid, but in Milan, not Madrid. If we had taken our chances, the result would have been different. We made mistakes at the Metropolitano, too. If you take the lead, you must hold it. We need to improve in that area."

**Penalties have been a sore point.**
"For me, it’s not an embarrassing topic. Only those who don’t take penalties don’t miss them. Fortunately, I have teammates like Çalhanoğlu, who never miss. He wanted me to take the penalty against Torino, which would have been nice to break my drought, but he deserved the applause at San Siro. He’s been through a lot and is now an icon."

**What role did Inzaghi play in winning the title?**
"He lets us play freely and makes training enjoyable. We’re all happy, not just because we won the title. Over three years, he’s grown with us in technical, tactical, and communication aspects. We’ve made great strides together. He’s calm but can get very angry. When we jokingly call him ‘devil,’ he laughs."

**Was there less freedom and fewer smiles under Conte?**
"Definitely, but I’m also very grateful to him for instilling a winning mentality. The difference between Conte and Inzaghi shows that there are various ways to achieve success in football."

**In this challenging period, what’s your view of Steven Zhang?**
"He’s always supported us, even if he’s not physically present this season. A video call can be enough to make us feel his presence. He’s a great president. We don’t know what will happen because it’s beyond our control. We’re calm and waiting."

**Why did you say it’s ‘necessary’ to finalize your contract extension this week? Does this mean you’re closer or further from renewing?**
"We’re very close, just finalizing some details. I said ‘this week’ because the season is ending, and I want everything settled before the Copa América. I understand the club’s situation might delay things. Marotta and Ausilio are handling it, but it also depends on the club’s owners. We’re waiting, but there are no problems between us and the club."

**Has Mascherano called you to invite you to the Olympics? Inter fans are worried.**
"My wife is also worried about vacation plans. I’d love to go, but I haven’t received any call. If I do, I’ll discuss it with Inter. Unfortunately, the schedule is tight, and we have many games. We need more squad rotation. I don’t like sitting on the bench, but we won our second star through rotation."

**Taremi is coming. Do you know him?**
"We’ve played against each other. I’ve watched many of his games. He’s an excellent forward, technically skilled, with a unique playing style. He’ll be a great help. I think he can be the new Arnautović, leading our attack."

**Mbappé, Haaland, Lewandowski, Kane – do you think you’re now at their level?**
"Yes, I have nothing to envy. My stats and trophies prove it. Some of them have fewer titles than I do. I must continue working with responsibility, as my father taught me, but I believe I can sit at the same table as these great players."