Lautaro Martinez admits he feels irritated by constant speculation over his Inter future, after the forward helped seal a 3-1 win over Spezia on Good Friday.
The Argentine struck in the second half to help confirm a crucial three points for the Serie A champions, moving them back to the summit – temporarily at least – ahead of rivals Milan.
Yet with his contract due to expire next year, talk over an impending exit has dogged Martinez for much of the season, with the striker starting on the bench at Stadio Alberto Picco.
Speaking afterwards, Martinez acknowledged that discussion over his next move is something that bugs him, alongside accusations that he has not put the effort in during the 2021-22 season.
People talk a lot and I don’t like it, he said. I’ve always given my best for Inter and I don’t like certain voices.
I try to give my all, obviously I don’t like being on the bench, but when I entered I gave my all for Inter which is what counts here.
I have always been calm, I work for the team, to lend a hand to my teammates, I am focused on my work and I don’t listen to everything they talk about.
I think about my family, those who love me and Inter, so I always have to give my best.
THIS. IS. INTEEEEEERRR
— Inter (@Inter)
Victory for Inter – though relatively unconvincing, despite overwhelming possession, and then given a late scare by a response from the hosts – keeps them in the thick of the title race.
It will give an extra charge to an already hot derby encounter with Milan when the two sides meet in the Coppa Italia semi-finals on Tuesday.
Martinez believes Simone Inzaghi s side looked to have turned a corner after dropping crucial points earlier in the new year, and stressed that their destiny is now of their own making.
[We re] feeling good, he added. We are doing a great job, we have lost some important points.
We have now recovered and have everything in our hands. The path is still long, we have to recover and think about Tuesday.
