Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez (28) has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Barcelona, reaffirming his commitment to the Nerazzurri while revealing plans to leave the football industry entirely once his playing career ends. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Argentine striker stated he intends to "disappear" from the public eye upon retirement, despite recent reports from Eldesmarque suggesting Barcelona had opened talks to sign him as a successor to Robert Lewandowski. Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has since told 365scores there is "no truth" to the rumours, with Martinez currently under contract at the San Siro until June 2029.
Marotta Denies Barcelona Interest Amid Martinez Loyalty
While reports in Spain indicated that Barcelona had made first contact regarding an €85 million move, Inter leadership have moved quickly to shut down the speculation. Martinez, who led Inter to a domestic double this season with 22 goals, admitted he was briefly tempted to leave following the club's 2025 Club World Cup exit but has since recommitted to the project in Milan. "If they don't kick me out, I'm staying here," Martinez told Gazzetta, emphasizing that he can no longer imagine himself at another club. A transfer would have proven difficult for Barcelona regardless, as the Catalan club continues to navigate strict La Liga salary cap restrictions that make a deal for a player in his prime, with four years remaining on his contract, financially prohibitive.
A Complete Departure from the Football World
Martinez’s comments regarding his long-term future highlight a growing disillusionment with the pressures of the modern game. Despite his success on the pitch, he told Gazzetta dello Sport that he does not like the football environment and will not take up coaching or punditry roles. "I won't remain in football," Martinez said. "You won't hear about me anymore. I'll disappear." This stance reflects the mental toll of elite competition; the striker previously credited regular therapy for helping him manage the psychological burden of goal droughts and captaincy. By targeting a retirement at Inter, the forward aims to see out a career that has already seen him become the club’s highest-scoring foreign player, rather than seeking a final high-profile move to Spain or the Premier League.
Martinez is now expected to lead Inter into their title defence next season as the club seeks to maintain its dominance in Serie A.