Inter President Marotta Praises Lautaro Martinez as 'Exemplary' Amid Barcelona Links, Calls Real Madrid 'Strongest Club'
Quick summary
Inter Milan president Beppe Marotta has publicly praised captain Lautaro Martinez for his professionalism amid persistent transfer links to Barcelona, while also calling Real Madrid the strongest club in the world.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceInter President Beppe Marotta hails ‘exemplary’ Lautaro Martinez for resisting Barcelona interest, salutes Denzel Dumfries and Jose Mourinho with ‘strongest club’ Real Madrid.
It kicks off at the Bernabeu in Madrid at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.
This is the opening Champions League game of the season for these clubs, but also a special reunion between Cristian Chivu and Jose Mourinho, who won the 2010 Treble together at Inter.
Inter begin Champions League campaign MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Giuseppe Marotta, President of Internazionale, acknowledges the fans before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) “I said our obligation is to give our all, including in clashes like this evening, where motivation is important. We also have the right to dream, and sometimes dreams come true, so you need to keep dreaming,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
Denzel Dumfries also meets his former teammates, but Lautaro Martinez was not sold despite the confirmed approach from Barcelona this summer.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Lautaro Martinez of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) “Lautaro’s behaviour was exemplary, he showed a great sense of belonging, avoided any kind of negotiation with Barcelona. The two clubs had a discussion, but there were simply no conditions to even open a negotiation, as Lautaro is the present and future of this club. If we want to win, we need him too.
“Dumfries looked emotional to meet his old teammates, staff and directors, but I’m happy for him as he’s playing for a great side and has the opportunity to win more trophies. Mourinho had an unforgettable experience at Inter with the Treble, which remains in the history of this club, and informs the present and future of this side.”
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Denzel Dumfries of Real Madrid interacts with a player of Internazionale before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Real Madrid have huge problems, as Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga are suspended, with Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo injured, plus Aurelien Tchouameni, Endrick and Thiago Pitarch not fully fit either.
Trent Alexander-Arnold therefore appears to be in midfield for an unusual 4-2-3-1 formation.
“We’ve got to make the most of the situation, but the Real Madrid XI tonight would still be first choices at most teams, so the level is still higher than ours. Where we might be lacking in terms of quality and technique, we need to make up with determination and motivation.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Curtis Jones of Internazionale has a shot during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) Curtis Jones gets his first start, but with Federico Dimarco and Djed Spence injured, Carlos Augusto and Andy Diouf take the wings.
Somewhat surprisingly, Benjamin Pavard and Yann Bisseck both start in defence, with Manuel Akanji and John Stones benched.
“Real Madrid have for some time been the strongest club in the world, by which I mean both their sporting results and the revenue they can boast. The Bernabeu renovations further boosted their revenue, and clearly it is a gap for Italian football, so we’ve got to be creative,” added Marotta.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Cristian Chivu, Manager of Internazionale, celebrates victory after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) “Off the field, there have also been improvements in the Inter revenue, and we have the best in Italy when it comes to revenue, but are missing the crucial instrument of having our own stadium.”
Inter have lost their last four meetings with Real Madrid, not managing a victory since 1998.
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What happened
Speaking to the media, Inter president Beppe Marotta highlighted Lautaro Martinez's exemplary conduct and commitment amid ongoing speculation linking the Argentine striker to Barcelona. Marotta stressed that Inter have no intention of selling their captain and made it clear the club is building a competitive project around him. He also offered a notable compliment to Real Madrid, labelling them 'the strongest club' in the world, which some interpret as a sign of respect ahead of potential European competition. The comments come at a time when Inter are balancing domestic ambitions in Serie A with their Champions League campaign.
Chance analysis
Marotta's public backing of Lautaro Martinez serves as a firm public stance against any potential suitor for Inter's talisman, particularly Barcelona, who have been repeatedly linked with the Argentine. By praising Lautaro's behaviour, the Inter president is reinforcing the message that the club's hierarchy and dressing room are aligned heading into a critical stretch of the season. His acknowledgement of Real Madrid as the benchmark adds context to Inter's European ambitions, framing their continental challenge as one against the elite.
Inter retain their captain and key striker with full presidential backing, boosting team stability and morale ahead of key fixtures.