Lautaro: "We deserve to be here, a perfect performance needed"

It's the eve of the UEFA Champions League final, and, from the stadium where PSG vs. Inter will be played, Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez previewed tomorrow's showdown:

You've achieved so much. What would winning the Champions League mean to you? "I've achieved some very big objectives in my career, both at international level and with Inter. The Champions League is an extraordinary achievement for any player. We'll try to play the perfect game to bring the trophy back to Italy, to Milano, where it hasn't been for a few years."

You’ve won the World Cup and played in crucial finals: how do you approach a match like this? "Details are always crucial in games like these. We need to stay focused. We know what we have to do, and we've prepared very well."

How do you feel on the eve of this match? "I carry a responsibility as captain, but every game is important. This is the Champions League final; everyone understands the value of this trophy. We have to keep playing like we have done throughout our journey. We have immense respect for our opponents, but we also have the qualities to do very well."

Do you ever think that winning this trophy could lead to the Ballon d'Or? "Individual awards don't mean much - they're always secondary. It's not about Lautaro. Of course, it's great to receive personal recognition, but I play to bring joy to the Inter fans. I've been in Italy for seven years, and everyone knows me and my qualities. But what matters most - at Inter and with my national team - is my ability to help the team."

Has this been your breakout season in Europe? "It's been a special season in Europe, that's true - I've scored a lot. I try to improve every day. My mindset hasn't changed: I want to grow, help the team and keep reaching for new goals. I'm proud of my journey, and we've reached our second final in three years thanks to this group's sacrifice, work and humility."

What has changed in the two years since the Istanbul final? "We've grown and improved. We've faced strong opponents in very difficult stadiums: we've won where the home team hadn't lost in a long, long time. We've earned everyone's respect. Now, we have the chance to bring this trophy home, and hopefully we can make it count this time. We'll try to play the perfect match."

You know Kvaratskhelia very well. It'll be a great battle against him, but how do you plan to stop him? "We know him well - we've faced him plenty of times in Italy. He's got a lot of quality, likes one-on-one situations and runs into space. But we won't only be focusing on him: PSG have many top players. Today, we'll have our final training session, go over the last details and rest up ahead of this crucial match."

How much would it mean to dedicate a victory to your coach, Simone Inzaghi? "There's always talk, every day, but that's normal. The coach is here and works constantly to improve the group and the team. Of course, we'd dedicate the win to him, to our fans and to our families. This is a daily effort, and we'll give everything we have for everyone."

Do you feel like you owe a thank you to Inter? "I have to thank Inter because it truly feels like I was born here. My way of saying thanks is through my performances - I always try to give more than 100%. Trophies are the reward I hope to give back to this Club. Let's give it everything. Getting here hasn't been easy. We've worked incredibly hard and deserve to be playing for this trophy once again."