Lautaro Martinez: 'Lukaku doesn't answer my phone'

- Hello captain, should we call you that now?

- Oh yes, that's right! Wearing this captain's armband means I carry more responsibility for the team, in the dressing room. But I've always been the same person. I have only one goal: whenever my teammates need help, I'm always there.

- You just mentioned the dressing room, where the "voice" players have left Inter. Is it now your turn to show the weight in your voice?

I'm ready and prepared for that. For me, being the captain of the team is a pride, I want to follow my seniors and champions who have worn the captain's armband in Inter history and make everyone feel proud.

That's right, the important players have all left Inter, now it's the youth's turn to replace them. But it's already my sixth season here, which means I know everything, know everything about the club. From those lessons and experiences that I am now ready.

- To the rookies, what would you tell them?

- Only one thing: If you have come here, if you have put on this shirt, it means that you yourself must have something special. You've been chosen, you're not here just by chance. You must have talent, strength and character to play at the San Siro. So give your best. At that time, the fans will take care of the rest - giving you love.

- What's new at Inter?

- That's exactly reaching out. Last season, we maintained a high standard. For many years, at least since I arrived here, Inter have shown a steady flow: from results to titles. Through the Champions League, we have brought Inter back to the place where it belongs in the club's history.

- Do you mean the picture of an Inter in Istanbul last season, or an Inter with 12 defeats in Serie A?

- Yes, we lost a lot of points in the Scudetto. But let's talk about the Champions League final. Because that match and that tournament help each individual in this group to be more mature in terms of football. We deliver an impressive image, in other words, send a signal to the whole world.

- What do you think about the missed opportunity in the finale?

- I feel nothing to regret. I made the right decision. Some said I should have passed to Marcelo Brozovic, others said I should have passed to Romelu Lukaku. In that moment, I made a decision that I felt made sense. I watched the video of that situation many times, and I saw Pep Guardiola then collapsed on the pitch. But that wasn't our only chance in the game. The finale still left me with good memories.

- The club and coach Filippo Inzaghi both talk about Scudetto goals. Is that a burden?

- From the moment I became the Inter captain, I always had in mind the desire to join the team to win Serie A and raise the Cup with my own hands. My teammates and I both said that we helped Inter to the top, so the expectations were also very high. So that will be the starting point for the whole team.

- But why do people expect your Inter to win the Scudetto and not other teams?

- Because this team has won the championship. And because we are always hungry. I always want to win, even on the training ground. And I want to convey this message to the young players in the team.

- What about in the Champions League?

- Last season, did anyone dare to think that Inter would reach the final? Nobody. Therefore, we have to believe that next season we can completely re-establish it. Now that we all know what Inter is, we have the respect of our European rivals.

- What kind of player is Marcus Thuram, who just moved to Inter? What can you describe about him?

- Marcus is very smart, he knows how to use his body and is very technical. We need a striker like Marcus, he will be very useful for this team. Hopefully Marcus will quickly understand Inter's style of play as well as the coach's ideas. In addition, he also integrates very quickly with his new teammates.

- With Thuram, does your play style change, compared to when fighting with Edin Dzeko and Lukaku?

- Marcus is a striker with many similarities with Edin, he likes to move wide and receive the ball away from the penalty area, thereby connecting with teammates, exchanging information with them. Personally, I always find a way to adapt to each teammate, whether playing as a leading striker or a back striker.

- Adapted to Lukaku too? After what he did? What is your opinion on the Lukaku case?

- I'm very sad, that's the truth. I tried calling him during the information turbulence days, but Romelu never answered. He also refuses to take calls from other teammates. After all these years together, after everything we've been through, I feel very let down. Oh my god! It was his decision. I hope he has a lot of luck.

- But did you think Lukaku would behave that way?

- No problem.

- Why did you refuse offers from Saudi Arabia?

- Yes, a lot of offers have been sent to me. But at Inter I feel happy and my life in Milan is great, I have no reason to change. So is my family.

- Why do so many young players choose to go there?

- Certainly for economic benefits, you can hardly ignore it, a lot of money is left... But each person has a choice. For example, I chose to stay because I want to continue to play at the top level. I have already started preparing for the next Copa America and World Cup with Argentina.

- What does Inter mean in you?

- A second home. When I came here, I immediately received love from everyone. I will never forget. I come from a very ordinary family, I also lived a difficult childhood, so when someone reaches out a hand to help, you learn to appreciate.

- What role does Inzaghi have for you?

- He helps me to create a positive working and studying attitude, always smiling. That aspect helps yourself to stay optimistic, even when the results are not as expected.

Outside of work, what are your goals in life?

- I have matured a lot after becoming a father. My second child is due to be born in August, I chose to name him Theo, the name I have always cherished since I got married and had children. Agustina and I have agreed that if it's a girl, she'll name it, and if it's a boy, I'll name it. Therefore, my wife chose to name her daughter Nina, and I will be Theo. I just hope I can be a good father to my children.

- So, after becoming a father, what has changed in the way you play football?

- Before, I always acted on instinct, after becoming a father, I always think before making decisions. Just look at the yellow cards, in the past I received a lot of yellow cards, later I learned to respect the referee and the opponent more.

- On the other hand, as a player, how can you continue to improve?

- A lot of things can still be improved. For example, in terms of physical condition, then also the movements using the left foot.

- This will be your sixth season with Inter, looking back on the past, is there anything you want to change?

- No, I close each season with the only thought that I have grown more and more each year.

- How do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

- I do not know. I don't like to confuse the present with the future: you just run the risk of making a mistake. Therefore, I want to live every moment with Inter.