STRIKER Lautaro Martinez has pledged his future to Inter Milan after his move to Barcelona fell through.
The 23-year-old forward was in talks with the Spanish giants at the end of 2020, but a deal was not agreed.
Martinez and Lukaku have already scored 30 Serie A goals between them this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And the Argentinian has now quashed any doubts over where his future lies by insisting he will remain with the Italian club.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, he said: “It’s true, I was in negotiations with Barcelona.
“I was clear with [Antonio] Conte, I told him: ‘I am only thinking about Inter, this is not going to affect me’.
“However, it all belongs in the past. I am going to sign a contract extension with Inter.
“I don’t know when there will be an official announcement. Meanwhile, I play. My future is here, I see myself in Milan for a long time.
“I like everything about this city. The food, the fans, the team. I only have positive feelings.”
Inter are currently top of Serie A, four points clear of rivals AC Milan as they look to clinch their first league title in 11 years.
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And Martinez has played a pivotal role in their title tilt, scoring 13 goals and assisting another six.
His partnership with former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has been a major success, with the Belgian netting 17 times in Serie A so far this season, just one less than top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, reigning Italian champions Juventus are well off the pace as they seek a tenth successive scudetto, eight points behind Inter.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk