Lautaro Martinez committed to Inter despite Barcelona interest

Lautaro Martinez says he wants to remain at Inter “forever” after rejecting interest from Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

The 29-year-old club captain was linked with a move to the La Liga champions, but Barcelona eventually opted to sign Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.

Reports claimed Martinez’s representatives held discussions with Barcelona sporting directors Deco and Bojan Krkic about a possible move to Spain. The talks followed Barcelona’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Argentina international Julian Alvarez from Atletico de Madrid.

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta responded to the speculation by insisting Martinez was not available for transfer under “absolutely no conditions”. Martinez also publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the Italian club after the transfer window closed.

“Barcelona links made me proud,” said Martinez.

“When these offers and these calls arrive, it is always a pleasure, because you work to stay at the top. The rumours were true, but my mind is very clear.

“I wanted to stay here [Inter] with my teammates and with these magnificent fans. I would stay forever and, as long as they want me, I will stay here.”

Martinez joined Inter from Racing Club and has made 378 appearances for the club. He has scored 175 goals and provided 56 assists during his time in Italy.

The Argentina international’s comments came after a summer in which his future was the subject of speculation, with Barcelona exploring the possibility of bringing him to La Liga.

Barcelona had also targeted Alvarez, but their efforts to lure the forward from Atletico de Madrid were unsuccessful. The Catalan club instead settled on a deal for Gabriel Jesus, who was at Arsenal.

Despite the interest from Spain, Inter maintained throughout the transfer window that Martinez was not for sale. Marotta’s firm position was followed by the player’s own declaration that he wanted to continue alongside his team-mates and the club’s supporters.

Martinez’s latest comments underline his intention to remain with Inter, where he has become both captain and a prolific source of goals. His record of 175 goals in 378 appearances has made him a central figure for the Italian club since his arrival from Racing Club.

Barcelona’s interest nevertheless represented recognition of Martinez’s standing among Europe’s leading forwards. The striker said the links had pleased him, but stressed that his priority had never changed.

With the transfer window now closed, Martinez has made clear that he remains focused on Inter and is prepared to continue his career there for as long as the club wants him.