Inter Milan Legend Ivan Cordoba: “Unreasonable To Expect Nerazzurri Striker Lautaro Martinez To Be Less Committed To Argentina” | OneFootball

Former Inter Milan defender Ivan Cordoba has defended Nerazzurri striker Lautaro Martinez in the face of criticism over his dedication to representing Argentina at the expense of his club.

Speaking on Italian television channel Sportitalia yesterday, and as reported by FCInterNews.it, Nerazzurri icon Cordoba felt that the pride and importance of representing one’s national team far outweighed the risk of picking up an injury and missing club games.

Cordoba insisted that it was important for Martinez to give his all for the Argentine national team and that it would not be fair to expect him to lessen his commitment to the Albiceleste for the sake of his Inter duties.

“We cannot ask Lautaro to give up the national team, it is the same for any player,” former Colombia international Cordoba declared.

“Playing for your country is something very special, it’s something you dreamed about since you were little.

“I would rather risk injury than give up playing for my country, to do so is impossible.

“Even if the manager, seeing the situation from all viewpoints, could ask for it.”

Cordoba turned his attention to former Inter coach Antonio Conte, who led the Biscione to the Serie A title in 2022 but is now challenging them for the Scudetto with Napoli this season.

“Conte has his own personality and character, this has brought him success. He will never give up his mettle.

“Even for a strong team like Inter it is nice to have a rival like that. To be successful you have to face strong teams.”

The former defender was asked where Inter could find reinforcements for their backline and looked to his homeland, whilst also picking out compatriot Jhon Lucumi at Bologna.

“In Colombia there are many strong defenders, we have a history of defensive talent.

“There are already some in Italy, I really like Lucumì, he has a lot of experience in Italy and we can see it from his way of playing.

“He has a great physique, he played as a left winger, then they saw he was best as a centre-back and he is confirming it.”

Cordoba joined Inter from San Lorenzo in 2000 and went on to make 455 appearances for the Nerazzurri before retiring in 2012, lifting five Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia four times, and winning the Champions League.