Lautaro Martinez has said that he received "huge bids from Saudi clubs" this summer but never entertained the prospect of leaving Inter Milan.
The Argentina international was in excellent form for Inter during the 2022-23 campaign, finding the back of the net on 28 occasions in 57 appearances, in addition to contributing 11 assists.
The 25-year-old's future was the subject of much speculation earlier this summer, with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea credited with an interest.
However, Martinez has now been appointed Inter's new captain, with the centre-forward set to spend at least one more season with the Milan giants.
"I received huge bids from Saudi clubs, it's true. But I'm very happy at Inter and in Milano, no chance and no reason to change," Martinez told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
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"Wearing it (the armband) means taking on more responsibility within the team, inside the locker room. But I've always done it before. I have a goal: to lend a hand to comrades in need.
"Important players have left? True, but I'm ready. For me it is a source of pride, I want to live up to the many champions who have worn the armband in Inter's history and make everyone proud of me.
"I'm in my sixth season here: I understand everything, I know everything what I've learned I make available. I told the newcomers that if they've arrived at Inter it's because they have something and they've been chosen, not by chance.
"When you play, give everything and then the love of the fans will take care of the rest."
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Martinez also opened up on the Romelu Lukaku saga, with the Argentine admitting that he has been left disappointed by his former teammate, who is now thought to be closing in on a loan move to Juventus.
Inter had been looking to re-sign the forward this summer before allegedly dropping their interest after learning that the Belgian was also in discussions with the Old Lady.
"I was disappointed, it's the truth. I also tried to call him in those days of chaos, he never answered me, the same he did with my other companions," said Martinez.
"After so many years together, after so many things lived together, I was disappointed. Thankfully, it's his choice. I wish him the best. But I didn't expect this attitude."
Martinez made the move from Racing Club to Inter in the summer of 2018, and he has now represented the Italian giants on 238 occasions, scoring 102 goals and registering 36 assists in the process.
Matt Law
