Lautaro Martinez: ‘Inter earned respect during Champions League’ successful run | OneFootball

Lautaro Martinez is moved to tears before Inter’s Champions League Final against Paris Saint-Germain and feels this is the right time to win it. ‘We earned respect throughout the competition.’

It kicks off in Munich on Saturday May 31 at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT, 21.00 CET).

Remarkably, this is the first ever competitive meeting between these two teams, but both were beaten in recent Champions League Finals.

Paris Saint-Germain lost to Bayern Munich in 2020 and the Nerazzurri fell 1-0 to Manchester City in 2023.

Lautaro Martinez moved to tears

Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 15, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The captain spoke to Sky Sport Italia before going in for his press conference and was moved to tears by a video showing messages from his mother, father, wife and children.

“It is difficult to talk, because they push me to never give up. I really want to thank them and dedicate the Champions League victory to them,” said Lautaro Martinez through tears.

“My father gave me the love for this sport, my mother ensured I never lacked for anything. My wife and kids are always behind me and pick me up during those difficult moments.”

This is his second Champions League Final in just three years, as the Inter squad is practically the same as the one that lost 1-0 to Manchester City in 2023.

“We need the perfect performance,” added the striker in his press conference.

“Being captain does put more responsibility on me, but I always say every match must be like a Final for us. Only one team can win the trophy, but the important thing is that we give everything we’ve got. We must only think positive.”

Inter’s march to Champions League Final

epa12078672 FC Inter’s Lautaro Martinez scores the 1-0 goal during the UEFA Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, in Milan, Italy, 06 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

Lautaro Martinez was crucial in their progress for the Champions League this season, scoring nine goals in 13 games.

That included finding the net in all but one of his last seven appearances in the competition.

“I scored many goals in important Champions League games, I am happy to be playing my second Final in three years, which is thanks to the hard work, sacrifice and humility of everyone here.

“We have improved as a team, facing strong opponents in very difficult atmospheres, defeating sides who had long unbeaten runs.

“Inter earned respect throughout the competition, working hard, keeping our heads down and focusing on ourselves. Now we can bring this trophy home after such a long time and want the perfect performance.”

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 20: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, reacts during the Serie A match between Bologna and FC Internazionale at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 20, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The build-up to the Final has been dominated by the reports that Al-Hilal have offered Simone Inzaghi a €30m per season salary to leave Inter.

“News emerges every day, we are relaxed, he is still here and works every day to improve the squad,” assured his captain.

“If we win, we’ll certainly dedicate it to him, the fans and or families.”

Lautaro Martinez has also been tempted many times by huge offers, but always remained committed to Inter.

“This club adopted me as if I was born here, so I will always thank them for what they did for me. Tomorrow we can bring this trophy back to Milan and will try to enjoy this evening, because you don’t get to do this every day.”