Lautaro Martinez, a striker for Inter Milan, recently disclosed that he was presented with a rich offer to play in Saudi Arabia but ultimately decided to turn it down in order “to continue playing at a high level.”
After Cristiano Ronaldo was signed by Al-Nassr at the conclusion of the previous year, a number of well-known athletes began to show interest in playing in the middle eastern country. The lure that the cash-rich Saudi Pro League teams have extended to players in the peak of their careers, who were expected to continue plying their trade in top European leagues, has been clear. While other elderly superstars were bound to follow suit, the lure of the Saudi Pro League has been evident.
Martinez made these comments in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Offers from Saudi Arabia? It’s true, the gigantic suggestions have finally come.
“What draws such a large number of young people to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? It’s a significant amount of cash, but in the end, it all boils down to the individual. Because I want to compete at a high level for as long as possible, I made the decision to turn down the offer.
Martinez contributed to Argentina’s successful World Cup campaign in Qatar last year and played a supporting role in the tournament. After the championship game, he continued to play an important role in Inter’s run of success, helping them win two domestic cup championships and, against all odds, finish in second place in the Champions League the previous year.
“I am the captain of this team, and Inter is like a second home to me.” The 25-year-old has his eyes set on the two forthcoming key assignments for La Albiceleste, beginning with the Copa America in the United States of America next year. “I have felt loved here since day one and I’m proud to be here,” said the player, who also has his sights set on the 2018 Copa America.”I’m already thinking about preparing well for the next Copa América and the World Cup,” he said. “I’m also thinking about the World Cup.”