Lautaro Martinez has dismissed any notion of an exit from Inter, with Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid being heavily linked with the Nerazzurri striker. The 2022 World Cup winner was one of the attendees at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris for the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, in which he finished in 20th position.
Speaking at the star-studded event, where Lionel Messi took home the accolade for a record eighth time, Martinez spoke about his dream-like year.
“It’s very important for me to be here tonight. Between the Ballon d’Or and the World Cup, I’m living a dream and being here is very nice for me. Last season I played in the two most important finals in football, and tonight is a reward for the work and sacrifice I made.” (via Calciomercato)
He then shed light on the links with Los Blancos.
“Real Madrid? Obviously we are talking about a very big team, but my head and my heart are always turned to Inter.”
Finally, Martinez addressed Messi’s glorious eighth Ballon d’Or.
“He had to share this era with Cristiano Ronaldo; otherwise, he would have won 15 Ballon d’Ors.”
Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe shared the podium with Messi, while Victor Osimhen (8th), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (17th), and Martinez are the only Serie A representatives in the top 20.
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