Inter captain Lautaro Martinez revealed it was a “great honour” to be linked with Barcelona this summer, admitting the rumours of their interest were true.

Barca were in search of a striker after Robert Lewandowski joined the Chicago Fire in MLS and Ferran Torres made a switch to Paris Saint-Germain following the World Cup.

The Blaugrana were open about their interest in Julian Alvarez, though rumours emerged suggesting they were also ready to move for Martinez.

The 29-year-old has made 378 appearances for Inter since joining in 2018, scoring 175 goals and providing 39 assists while winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana three times each.

Despite being flattered by Barca’s interest, Martinez still wants to achieve more with Inter.

“The rumours that were circulating were true,” Martinez told Sky Italia when asked about Barca’s pursuit.

“But in the end, I wanted to stay here with my team-mates and these magnificent fans.

Let’s pick up the pace pic.twitter.com/cQ8N9C1a63

— Inter  (@Inter_en) September 2, 2026

“It is a great honour and a source of immense satisfaction because you always work to improve, to move forward, and to try to get better every year.

“When offers or calls come from such big clubs, they are always welcome, they are gratifying because it is a very significant thing.

“I would always stay here because I feel good and I am happy. In football, though, you never know.

“As long as Inter wants and needs me, I will be here. I’ve chosen to stay here once again because I feel good, and I’m still eager to do great things at Inter.”

Martinez is yet to score in Serie A this season, but he will hope to change that when Inter face Napoli on Saturday.

Cristian Chivu’s side then face Real Madrid in their Champions League opener on September 8.