Calhanoglu talks on Galatasaray and Fenerbahce rumours and Lautaro reconciliation

Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has said he is “an Inter player” who “wants to continue here” as he joined the club for the start of pre-season training.

Speaking to the Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Leverkusen man also reflected on the heated tension within the squad earlier in the summer, when he fell out with Lautaro Martinez, revealing “we talked – we are professionals, there’s no problem. When the captain comes back, I’ll give him a hug, and that’s it.”

Calhanoglu happy at Inter but keeps door ajar for future move

Calhanoglu was linked heavily in the past few weeks with a move to the Turkish Super Lig. Initially, Galatasaray were dubbed as favourites to sign the Turkish midfielder. However, the club’s ongoing negotiations with Napoli over Victor Osimhen appear to be keeping their hands very full at this point in time.

Then, late last week, Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce emerged as potential suitors for Calhanoglu, with reports in Italy claiming that the club were ready to offer the Inter star the captain armband if he were to leave Italy for Turkey.

Speaking on the topic of the speculation, Calhanoglu said that “every year there are transfer rumours, in this case maybe a few more, but I did not say anything because I wanted our fans to see for themselves that I am back – it is not always right to make statements.”

When asked about contract renewal, he responded “Let’s wait and see what happens over the years. But my goal is to win here.”

Calhanoglu, 31, has been a mainstay in the Nerazzurri side since arriving from fierce rivals Milan for free in 2021. Last season, the experienced midfielder was ever-present, playing 47 games in all competitions – scoring eleven and assisting a further eight.