According to the front page of the newspaper Leggo, a significant tension has emerged between Inter Milan players Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu. The newspaper highlighted the situation with the headline “We Loved Each Other So Much” following the team`s recent elimination from the Club World Cup Round of 16 after a defeat to Fluminense.
Lautaro Martinez`s Statement
In the aftermath of the match, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez spoke about the team`s performance and commitment.
“Surely it hurts, it was a final objective with the few strengths we had left. We left everything out there, I first and foremost. I`m sorry for the group, we didn`t want to lose. You have to *want* to be here; we are fighting for objectives. Those who don`t want to be here should leave. I saw many things that I didn`t like. As captain, I want to fight for objectives, and we are an important team. We have won, and I want to continue like that: whoever wants to stay, can stay, while whoever doesn`t want to stay, goodbye.”
Hakan Calhanoglu Responds
Hakan Calhanoglu subsequently posted a response on social media, addressing the situation from his perspective.
“I respect every opinion, even that of a teammate, even that of the president. But respect cannot be one-way. I have always shown it, on and off the field. And I believe that in football, as in life, true strength lies precisely in knowing how to respect each other, especially in the most delicate moments. I have never betrayed this shirt. I have never said I wasn`t happy at Inter. In the past, I received offers, even very important ones, but I chose to stay. Because I know what this shirt represents to me. And I thought that 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, 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 will see. But history will always remember who stood tall. Not who raised their voice the loudest.”
