Inter Milan star Calhanoglu hits back at Martinez’s critcism | OneFootball

Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has hit back at Lautaro Martinez following the striker’s harsh comments.

Following the defeat against Fluminense in the Club World Cup round of 16, Martinez said players who weren’t interested in staying at Inter should leave.

Inter president Beppe Marotta later stated that the club captain was referring to Calhanoglu.

The Turkish midfielder has issued a strong response, emphasising his loyalty to the club.

“I have never betrayed this shirt. I have never said I wasn’t happy at Inter,” Calhanoglu wrote on Instagram.

“In the past, I’ve received offers – even very important ones. But I chose to stay.

“Because I know what this shirt means to me. And I thought my choices spoke for themselves.

“I’ve had the honour of captaining my national team. I learned that a true leader is the one who stands by his teammates, not the one who looks for someone to blame when it’s the easiest thing to do.”

Calhanoglu revealed that he was diagnosed with a muscle injury, and he immediately spoke to his teammates after the Club World Cup exit. He also took a dig at Marotta.

“I respect every opinion – even that of a teammate, even that of the president,” Calhanoglu added.

“But respect cannot be one-sided. I’ve always shown it, on and off the pitch.

“And I believe that in football, as in life, true strength lies in mutual respect, especially in the most delicate moments.”

The latest episode further fuels speculation over his future. The 31-year-old is reportedly keen to join Galatasaray.

The Super Lig giants have proposed a salary worth €10 million a year for Calhanoglu, who is valued at €30m.

The former AC Milan star has been a key cog for Inter since his move in 2021. He played a pivotal role in the Scudetto triumph in 2023/24 and two runner-up finishes in the Champions League.