Inter Milan stars Hakan Calhanoglu, Lautaro Martinez clash after FIFA Club World Cup exit – ‘Words that divide, not unite’

“I want to fight for the major titles. Anyone who wants to stay at Inter, fine, let’s fight. But anyone who doesn’t want to stay can leave,” the Argentina striker told reporters.

“We need players who want to be here. We’re wearing an important shirt. We need a top-level mentality, or please leave.”

Inter president Beppe Marotta subsequently claimed that Martinez’s comments were aimed at Calhanoglu, who was injured during the Club World Cup and has been linked with a transfer away from the club.

Calhanoglu has now taken to Instagram to express his “surprise” at Martinez and Marotta’s claims.

“Yesterday we lost, and it hurts,” Calhanoglu said. “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.”