Lautaro Martinez: “Inter is my home”

MILAN - Lautaro Martinez has had a lightning-fast start to the season, just like the way he starts every game. He has scored 13 goals so far, the majority of which have come in the first half an hour of games. This habit tells us a lot about our Argentine forward’s approach to games, just as he set out in his interview with Sky Sport: “Inter is my home. That’s something very important for me, the fans are always so good to me, I think it’s amazing. I try to work hard and prove with humility on the pitch that I deserve to wear this shirt. I want to bring as much joy as possible to the Nerazzurri fans and my family.

“I’m always focused when I step onto the pitch, with my mind already set on the game. I’m happy with how I’m doing. It’s also a question of luck, obviously, but you should never overlook a single detail at any point in the match.”

Lautaro’s development has been there for all to see: “I’ve always trained to make sure I’m ready for whatever comes my way. This year the Coach has helped me with this, but Conte treats everyone in the same way, so every one of us has to give their all in training to be able to play. I get along really well with Lukaku, he’s a fantastic person off the pitch too. Our aim is to score as many goals as possible in order to help the team.”

Lautaro also spoke about his the Argentinian tradition linked with Nerazzurri colours: “The history of this Club with my fellow countrymen is incredible. They have achieved extraordinary things and it’s a big responsibility for me to take on, but I still need to grow and keep working hard. I want to improve, I’m happy because the fruits of my work are beginning to arrive, I need to continue in this way and stay focused on my goals.

“Conte is bringing me a lot of confidence, he tells you things as they are, just like Scaloni. This helps you to grow day after day. Both coaches analyse the finer details to help you grow both physically and mentally. This year Conte has helped me to work well and that’s what we’re seeing on the pitch.”

Now comes another tough period full of big fixtures: “We’re always working to approach every match in the same way. We have to think game after game about getting as many points as possible, that’s the goal, staying focused on the opponent and always giving our all for Inter and to help our teammates. We played brilliant first halves against both Dortmund and Barcelona.”