Lautaro: "Little time, but we've prepared in the best way possible"

Inter's Champions League campaign begins. Real Madrid-Inter takes place in Madrid on Tuesday 8 September at 21:00 CEST, in the opening match of the League Phase. From the Santiago Bernabéu, Inter captain Lautaro Martínez spoke at the pre-match press conference. The Bernabéu is an important stadium in Inter's history, where Milito wrote a legendary chapter for the Club. What emotions does it bring out in you? "I know this Club's history very well, and several years have passed. Today, I'm fully focused on doing my job in the best possible way and helping the team as much as I can."

It will be a great battle with Mbappé. "We're facing a great team with great champions who are world-class. But we're also a high-level team. Every time we show that we're strong, and we're also showing that we're growing as a group and as a team. What matters is putting the best performance in possible. We've prepared for this game as well as we could, despite having little time available. We've recovered well. Mbappé? He's certainly one of the best in the world."

How do you see the role of the centre-forward in modern football? "It depends on the team, the coach and the player's characteristics. We have our own characteristics, including the pressure we apply up front, and we have to be attentive defensively. It comes naturally to me, the coach asks me to do it and I do it naturally."

How much do you want to perform well in the Champions League? "Last year we went out early, but ultimately every year is important for growing and learning from our mistakes, as well as improving the things we did well. I expect to give my all and take Inter as high as possible, as in every competition."

Speaking of big matches, you scored twice against Napoli... "The most important thing is winning matches. I've scored many important goals in my career, but for me what matters is the work I do for the team and the collective effort. The group, the team: that's what's important. Saturday was an important match for us, we beat a strong team like Napoli, but the road is still long."

Is the Champions League a dream or an obsession? "For us, it's an objective. We all dream, but it's not an obsession. This is an important competition, with teams of great quality. I always say the same thing: it's an objective. At this great Club, we always have to have the right mindset and the desire to bring trophies to Inter."

Real Madrid have strengthened their squad, and you'll also face Dumfries, a former teammate. Do you see them as even stronger, including defensively? "They're an important team, with an extremely high level and very strong players. They've strengthened with a lot of quality in defence too, but we have our own weapons and we'll do everything we can."

What do you think of Mourinho? "He's won so many trophies with many clubs. Today we're opponents and we're only thinking about preparing for tomorrow's match."

Have you spoken to Julián Álvarez? "Yes, we've been in touch. We're teammates and we compete for a place in the national team. He's been through a difficult period, but I hope he gets back to his best soon and shows why he's one of the strongest players in the world."

A thought on Messi's retirement from the national team? "We knew this moment would come. It's a blow for everyone, not just for us, but for the whole football world. I've spoken to him and dedicated a few words to him. What he taught us, and how he led us to triumph in 2022... we've been through wonderful and difficult moments, and we've experienced some very intense times."