Inter captain Lautaro talks Toro nickname and Champions League hunger | OneFootball

Inter star Lautaro Martinez opened up about his life off the pitch, his ambitions in the Champions League and the origins of his nickname ‘El Toro’.

The 26-year-old Argentinian forward has confirmed his status as one of the prime strikers in world football this season, scoring 22 goals in 23 Serie A matches this term, with only two of them coming from the penalty spot. He’s also formed a formidable partnership with Marcus Thuram, creating a deadly duo.

Inter are on track to win their 20th Scudetto and are also on the hunt in the Champions League, having unfinished business in the competition following their loss to Manchester City in Istanbul last year.

Speaking to UEFA’s media outlets via TMW, Lautaro first discussed what the Champions League means to him and his Inter teammates.

“Obviously every trophy is an objective for a club like Inter. Being part of a group of brothers and friends going in the same direction, whether one plays or not, is important to move forward. So, things become simpler.”

The Argentinian striker then spoke a little about his life off the pitch, such as his family life and tattoos.

“They talk about me, my family, my religion, or a phrase that characterizes me. I got my first tattoo at 15 years old, my mother didn’t want that, she said I was too young. I started with the name of her father, my grandfather. It was very difficult for me.

“We are a family that started with very little. There is no doubt that those difficult moments I grew up very quickly. As I grew up, I understood that I had to follow my path, football. In my family there has always been sport.”

Finally, Lautaro explained why his nickname is ‘El Toro’.

“When I arrived at Racing, my teammates nicknamed me El Toro because I was always angry and bad in duels. My nickname comes from there.

“The phrase ‘What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger’ tells what I went through small, but also from some later phases. It’s a phrase I identify with, I always carry it with me.”