Turkey Superstar Hits Back At Inter Milan Captain After ‘Harsh’ Comments: “Respect Is Not A One-Way Street” | OneFootball

Hakan Calhanoglu broke his silence on his Inter Milan future after facing ‘harsh’ criticism from Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez.

After El Toro’s blunt post-Fluminense interview, Calhanoglu took to Instagram to respond via FCInterNews.

Indeed, the 27-year-old urged everyone who wants to leave the club to do it, directing his statement at Calhanoglu.

Furthermore, Inter president Beppe Marotta joined the Argentine superstar in his post-match comments.

Leading Inter figures look irritated by the 31-year-old’s current situation.

Despite never expressing his desire to leave, Hakan Calhanoglu is seemingly flirting with Galatasaray.

Meanwhile, the club finds his behavior intolerable.

Eager to recover from a disappointing season, Inter need all hands on deck.

Therefore, there’s no room for disruptors.

Though Calhanoglu doesn’t give the impression of being one, his actions speak otherwise.

Hakan Calhanoglu Responds to Lautaro Martinez

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

“After the injury in the Champions League final, we still decided I would travel with the team to the United States,” Calhanoglu wrote.

“Being there, even without being able to take the field, was important to me. I wanted to be close to the group, to give my support.

“Unfortunately, during a training session in the U.S., I suffered another injury in a different area.

“The diagnosis was clear: a muscle tear. That’s why I couldn’t play in this competition. There’s nothing else. No hidden story.

“We lost yesterday. And it hurts. I lived it with sadness – not just as a footballer, but as someone who truly cares about this team.

“Despite the injury, I called some teammates right after the final whistle to show my support. Because when you care, that’s what you do.

“What struck me the most, though, were the words that came afterward. Harsh words. Words that divide, not unite.

“In my whole career, I’ve never looked for excuses. I’ve always taken responsibility. I’ve even played through pain.

“And in difficult moments, I’ve always tried to be a point of reference. Not with words, but with actions.

“I respect every opinion – even that of a teammate, even that of the president.

“But respect cannot be one-sided. I’ve always shown it, on and off the pitch.

“And I believe that in football, as in life, true strength lies in mutual respect, especially in the most delicate moments.”

Hakan Calhanoglu About Loyalty

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 11: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and Feyenoord at Stadio San Siro on March 11, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In addition to responding to Lautaro’s words and addressing Marotta’s statement, Calhanoglu reiterated his loyalty to Inter.

“I have never betrayed this shirt. I have never said I wasn’t happy at Inter,” he added.

“In the past, I’ve received offers – even very important ones. But I chose to stay.

“Because I know what this shirt means to me. And I thought my choices spoke for themselves.

“I’ve had the honor of captaining my national team. And there, I learned that a true leader is the one who stands by his teammates – not the one who looks for someone to blame when it’s the easiest thing to do.

“I love this sport. I love this club. And I love these colors, for which I’ve given everything, every day.

“The future? We’ll see. But history will always remember those who stood tall – not those who raised their voice the loudest.”