Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez has spoken out after his team’s surprise 2-0 loss to Fluminense in the Club World Cup Round of 16, held in Charlotte, USA.
Martinez was clearly upset after the match. He didn’t hold back when talking about the team’s performance and attitude.
If you don’t want to be here, then leave,” he said in an interview with Sport Mediaset. “We play for a big club. We should always aim high.”
Fluminense scored twice—thanks to goals from German Cano and Hercules—as Inter struggled with poor defending. Martinez and teammate Federico Dimarco both hit the post, but that wasn’t enough to save the Italian side.
Martinez also said the team made too many mistakes and looked tired, but he made it clear that’s not an excuse.
We gave the ball away too much. Fluminense defended well. Yes, we were missing some players and felt tired—but that doesn’t excuse how we played,” he added.
Although he didn’t say any names, many believe his message was aimed at Hakan Calhanoglu, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray. Calhanoglu didn’t play in the game due to injury, but reports say he may be planning to leave the club this summer.
Speaking to both Sport Mediaset and DAZN, Martinez made it clear:
I’m not going to mention anyone… but I saw things I didn’t like. I’m the captain, and I have to speak out.
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