‘I see myself here a long time’: Lautaro Martinez reveals he will STAY at Inter Milan this summer and extend his deal in huge boost to Antonio Conte – as he insists Barcelona interest is ‘the past’
- Lautaro Martinez has been persistently linked to a big move since his breakout
- The prolific Inter Milan striker has bagged 13 goals in Serie A already this season
- Martinez has been touted for a move to Barcelona as Luis Suarez’s replacement
- Now, the Argentine has committed himself to Inter and plans to stay a ‘long time’
Inter Milan’s plot to rival Europe’s elite clubs again just got a massive boost, with Lautaro Martinez squashing links to Barcelona and insisting he’ll stay for a ‘long time’.
The 23-year-old striker’s 21-goal season last term announced Martinez as one of Europe’s hottest names on the transfer market, as he found a lethal partnership with Romelu Lukaku.
Barcelona were the No 1 suitors, eyeing a direct Luis Suarez replacement. The Catalans have now plunged into a financial and on-field crisis, while Antonio Conte’s Inter sit four points clear atop Serie A.
Lautaro Martinez is set to stay at Inter Milan this summer after a string of links to Barcelona
The 23-year-old Argentine looks set to be a star of the next decade after starring in Serie A
Antonio Conte (top) will be delighted to have the future of Martinez sealed in his title push
‘I’m not leaving Inter in the summer. I’m going to extend the contract soon and my plan is to stay here for a long time,’ the Argentine told Gazzetta dello Sport.
‘I don’t know when there will be an official announcement. Meanwhile I play.
‘I like everything about this city. The food, the fans, the team. I only have positive feelings.
‘Yes, Barcelona wanted me one year ago… and that was my way. But I said to Antonio Conte: “Don’t worry, I’m focused on Inter plans.”
Martinez’s arrival could have been a huge boost but Barcelona’s struggles have deepened
Martinez will continue developing his lethal partnership with Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku
‘And now Barca for me is only the past, I will stay at Inter.
Martinez already has 15 goals this season and is on track to beat last season’s tally, with Inter going toe-to-toe with rivals AC and Juventus for their first Scudetto since 2010.
Conte will be relieved to keep hold of Martinez, with the Italian aiming to take Inter back to the big time.
The Nerazzurri have only qualified for the Champions League three times since 2011 but failed to go beyond the last 16 in that time.
