Calhanoglu: Lautaro’s words ‘hit hard’ but ‘divide and not unite’

Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu waves during a ceremony for the Italian Champions following the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Lazio in Milan, on May 19, 2024. Inter celebrates his 20th Scudetto. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

Hakan Calhanoglu breaks his silence after Lautaro Martinez’s words that ‘hit hard’ but ‘divide and not unite.’

Lautaro Martinez didn’t hold back after Inter’s elimination from the Club World Cup on Monday, clearly saying that those who don’t want to stay at the club must leave.

Inter President Beppe Marotta confirmed that Lautaro referred to Calhanoglu.

The Turkish midfielder’s wife already hit back at Lautaro on Tuesday morning, and his social media message was followed by a statement released by Calha in Italian, Turkish and English.

“After the injury I suffered in the Coppa Campioni Final, we still decided that I should travel with the team to the USA. Being there, supporting the boys even though I couldn’t play meant a lot to me,” Calhanoglu wrote on Instagram.

“Unfortunately, during training in the US, I sustained another injury in a completely different area. The diagnosis: muscle tear.

“The injury made it impossible for me to be on the pitch during this tournament. There’s no other reason, nothing more behind it.

“Yesterday we lost, and it hurts,” Calhanoglu continued.

“I felt sadness, not just as a player, but as someone who truly cares.

“Even though I’m currently injured, I picked up the phone right after the match and called a few teammates to lift their spirits because that’s what you do when you care about your team.”

Calhanoglu hits back at Lautaro Martinez

Inevitably, Calhanoglu also mentioned Lautaro’s comments.

“What surprised me even more were the words that came after. Words that hit hard. Words that divide, not unite,” he said.

“In my career, I’ve never looked for excuses. I’ve always taken responsibility. I’ve played even through pain, I’ve led, especially in difficult moments, not with words, but with actions.

“I respect every opinion, even from a teammate, even from the club President, but respect is not a one-way street.

“I’ve always shown respect on and off the pitch, and I believe that in football, as in life, true strength lies in showing respect, especially when emotions are running high.

“I’ve never betrayed this club, I’ve never said I’m not happy at Inter.

“There were offers, in the past, tempting ones. But I stayed because deep down, I know what this shirt means to me, and I believe my actions spoke clearly.

“I’ve had the honour of wearing the captain’s armband for my country, and I’ve learned that leadership means standing by your team. Not pointing fingers when it’s easiest.

Calhanoglu admits Inter future uncertain

“I love this game, I love this club, and I love the contours I’ve fought for every single day.

“What the future holds now, we’ll see.

“But history always remembers those who stood tall, not those who shouted the loudest.”

Calhanoglu did not feature in the Club World Cup and returned to Europe a few hours before Monday’s match against Fluminense, alongside other injured players: Benjamin Pavard, Davide Frattesi, Piotr Zielinski and Yann Bisseck.

Calhanoglu has attracted interest from Galatasaray, but Inter are unwilling to sell him on the cheap and is still waiting for an official proposal from the Turkish club.