Lautaro Martínez has confirmed reports that Barcelona were interested in his services this summer but has indicated that he could end up staying the rest of his career at Inter Milan.
Barça explored alternatives after their pursuit of Julián Álvarez failed to materialise in this transfer window, and Martínez re-emerged as one of the forwards considered by the club.
"The rumors that were circulating were true," Martínez told Sky Italia when asked about Barcelona's pursuit. "But in the end, I wanted to stay here with my teammates and these magnificent fans."
A 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina and 2026 runner-up, Martínez admitted he felt great pride to be wanted by the Spanish champions.
"It [interest] is a great honor and a source of immense satisfaction because you always work to improve, to move forward, and to try to get better every year," the 29-year-old said.
"When offers or calls come from such big clubs, they are always welcome-they are gratifying because it is a very significant thing."
Martínez's focus is on Inter, the club he joined in the summer of 2018 from Argentinian club Racing. The Inter Milan captain has a contract with the Nerazzurri until June 2029. "My mind is made up," Martínez said.
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"I would always stay here because I feel good and I am happy. In football, though, you never know. As long as Inter wants and needs me, I will be here. "I've chosen to stay here once again here because I feel well and I'm still eager to do great things at Inter. "
Martínez greatly contributed to Inter winning the Scudetto last season, scoring17 goals and providing six assists in 30 league appearances.
