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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

Lautaro Martinez issues frank response to Romelu Lukaku saga with Chelsea striker left in limbo

Lautaro Martinez admits he is “disappointed” by former strike partner Romelu Lukaku.

The Chelsea loanee spent last season on loan with Inter Milan, only a year after leaving San Siro for Stamford Bridge for £97.5m.

Lukaku has made little secret of his desire to return to Inter on a full-time basis since moving back to west London and the club made a series of bids earlier this summer.

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Still, Inter have since pulled out of talks with the Blues after they were not able to contact the striker or his representatives.

There were concerns Lukaku was instead negotiating a move to rivals Juventus, having previously been told he only wanted a move back to San Siro.

Martinez starred alongside the Belgium international under Antonio Conte as the Nerazzurri ended an 11-year drought for a Serie A title in 2021.

The two rekindled their partnership as the club reached a first Champions League final since winning the competition in 2010 back in June, where Manchester City beat them.

Speaking to Gazetta dello Sport, the Argentine said: “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.

“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.”

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