‘Leave if you don’t want to be here’ – Lautaro Martinez blasts teammate after CWC exit
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez has delivered a blunt message to his teammate Hakan Calhanoglu, following the club’s shock 2-0 defeat to Fluminense in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Frustrated by the lacklustre performance that saw the Serie A side eliminated early, Martinez took aim at the mentality within the squad.
“Anyone who doesn’t want to be here should leave,” Martinez told Sport Mediaset. “We represent an important club and must challenge for important objectives.”
Inter’s defeat came courtesy of goals from German Cano and Hercules, with defensive errors proving costly.
Martinez and Federico Dimarco both struck the woodwork, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a disappointing exit.
The Argentine captain also reflected on the broader issues facing the squad.
“We gave the ball away far too many times. Fluminense defended well. We were missing a lot of players and were mentally tired, but that’s not an excuse,” he added.
While he didn’t name names, his comments appeared to be directed at Hakan Calhanoglu, who is reportedly pushing for a summer move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. The Turkish midfielder was absent from the squad due to injury.
Speaking to both Sport Mediaset and DAZN, Martinez clarified: “I am not going to name names… But I saw many things I did not like. I am the captain, I have to speak up.”
