Inter spat escalates as Calhanoglu hits back at Martinez
Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has hit back at Lautaro Martinez's remarkable comments after the club's exit from the Club World Cup.
The Serie A giant was beaten 2-0 by Fluminense on Wednesday, with goals from German Cano and Hercules either side of half-time sealing its progression to the quarter-finals.
Fluminense's win was the first by a non-European team against a UEFA opponent in a Club World Cup knockout match by a margin of two or more goals.
Indeed, Brazilian teams have recorded more wins (three) than losses (two, plus two draws) against European teams in this year's competition.
Martinez's frustrations boiled over at full-time as he questioned the desire of some of his team-mates, adding that some players should choose to leave the club.
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta revealed that the Argentine's comments were aimed at Calhanoglu, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray this summer.
Calhanoglu missed the defeat with a calf injury, only fuelling speculation about his desire to return to his homeland this summer.
But the Turkiye international was quick to respond to Martinez's comments, saying in a post on Instagram: "Yesterday we lost, and it hurt. I felt sadness, not just as a player, but as someone who truly cares.
"Even though I'm currently injured, I picked up the phone right after the match and called a few team-mates to lift their spirits, because that's what you do when you care about your team.
"What surprised me even more were the words that came after. Words that hit hard. Words that divide, not unite. In my career, I've never looked for excuses. I've always taken responsibility. I've played even through pain, I've led, especially in difficult moments, not with words, but with actions.
"I respect every opinion, even from a team-mate, even from the club president, but respect is not a one-way street. I've always shown respect on and off the pitch, and I believe that in football, as in life, true strength lies in showing respect, especially when emotions are running high.
"I've never betrayed this club, I've never said I'm not happy at Inter. There were offers, in the past, tempting ones. But I stayed because, deep down, I know what this shirt means to me, and I believe my actions spoke clearly.
"I've had the honour of wearing the captain's armband for my country, and I've learned that leadership means standing by your team. Not pointing fingers when it's easiest."
