Following their defeat in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final, Inter Milan‘s sporting project has experienced a noticeable downturn. The first repercussion of that setback was the departure of head coach Simone Inzaghi. Now, Hakan Calhanoglu is seeking to make his departure from the team, triggering a heated response from Lautaro Martinez after their elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. However, the Turk did not let Martinez’s strong words go unanswered.
After the Italian team’s elimination from the championship was confirmed, team captain Lautaro Martinez gave an interview in which he sent a strong message: “The message is clear: whoever wants to stay, stay. Whoever doesn’t want to stay must go… We are fighting for an important shirt, and we have to fight for important goals… I won’t name names. We are here to do everything, but I saw many things I didn’t like.”
Although he did not mention Hakan Calhanoglu at any time, the fans pointed the finger at the Turk player. All this, because he allegedly expressed his desire to leave for Galatasaray. Even the president of the Turkish team Dursun Ozbek claimed to have already had talks with the player, according to GOAL. Despite the forcefulness of Lautaro’s words, Hakan did not remain unresponsive to them.
“What surprised me even more were the words that came after. Words that hit hard. Words that divide, not united. In my career, I’ve never looked for excuses. I’ve always taken responsibility… I’ve always shown respect on and off the pitch… I’ve never betrayed this club, I’ve never said I’m not happy at Inter. There were offers in the past, tempting ones,” Hakan Calhanoglu posted, via Instagram.
Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy.
Hakan’s intention to leave the club encounters significant obstacles due to his binding contract through June 2027, as reported by Transfermarkt. Team president Giuseppe Marotta underscored their resolve to safeguard the club’s interests, affirming they will take all necessary actions. While the club remains open to his departure, Marotta’s comments imply that any deal would demand substantial financial compensation.
see also
Lautaro Martinez’s salary: How much does the Argentine striker earn at Inter Milan?
Not just Calhanoglu: Another Inter Milan player could be on his way out
Amid the potential departure of Hakan Calhanoglu from Inter Milan, he might not stand alone in seeking a new horizon. According to renowned journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Atletico Madrid have set their sights on acquiring midfielder Davide Frattesi. The Spanish club aims to fill the gap left by Rodrigo Riquelme’s absence, and sees Frattesi as a promising addition.
Additionally, the acquisition of Petar Sucic could push Frattesi out of the rotation. He currently lacks a regular starting role in the midfield. Therefore, a move to Atletico Madrid represents a promising career opportunity. In contrast, Hakan Calhanoglu remains a key player in the midfield. He often captains the team and continues to be a reliable mainstay.
