Lautaro Martinez has sent a strong message of commitment to Inter Milan by deciding to cut short his vacation and return to Italy ahead of schedule. The Inter captain, who recently lifted the Copa America with Argentina, has opted to reduce his holiday time to join Simone Inzaghi’s squad as they prepare for the upcoming season.
According to Sky Sport (via Calciomercato), Martinez’s decision is partly influenced by the recent injury to Mehdi Taremi. The Iranian forward suffered a muscle strain in his left thigh, which will sideline him for at least two weeks, causing him to miss the start of the Serie A season. With Joaquin Correa out of Inzaghi’s plans, Valentin Carboni nearing a move to Marseille, and Marcus Thuram still regaining fitness after his vacation, Martinez’s early return is crucial for the team.
Martinez is expected to resume training with the squad immediately, ahead of the initially planned return date of August 8. This move underscores his dedication to the club and his readiness to take on a leadership role as the team gears up for the new season.
Contract Renewal on the Horizon
Upon his return to Milan, Martinez can look forward to the formal announcement of his contract renewal with Inter. The agreement, brokered by his agent Alejandro Camano, will see Martinez extend his stay with the club until June 30, 2029, with a salary of €9 million per season. This renewal is a testament to his value to the team and the club’s commitment to retaining their star player.
Upcoming Fixtures
Inter Milan’s pre-season preparations continue with a friendly match against Pisa, followed by a game against Al-Ittihad at the U-Power Stadium in Monza on August 7. The team will then travel to England for a prestigious friendly against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 11. The Serie A campaign kicks off on August 17 with a match against Genoa, where Martinez will be expected to play a pivotal role.
Martinez’s early return and contract renewal are positive signs for Inter Milan as they aim to defend their Serie A title and compete on multiple fronts this season. His leadership and dedication will be vital assets for Simone Inzaghi’s squad.
