Totti: ‘Lautaro Martinez picked wrong moment’ to attack Calhanoglu

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 2:32 PM ET

Italy and Roma legend Francesco Totti has weighed in on the growing Inter row with Hakan Calhanoglu, warning Lautaro Martinez ‘did not pick the right moment’ to lash out.

The Nerazzurri were knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-0 defeat to Fluminense last night, but all the media focus has been on the scathing comments made by Lautaro Martinez towards his teammate Calhanoglu.

“Only they know the internal dynamics of the team that led to this,” Totti told Sky Sport Italia when pressed on the situation.

“However, Lautaro did not pick the right moment to take such a public stand. I don’t know what rapport they had, to be honest.”

Totti sees row as a problem for Inter

Could this be a hangover from the disappointing season that saw Inter end empty-handed and lose the Champions League Final 5-0 to Paris Saint-Germain?

“I don’t think so, this is basically a new season,” added Totti.

“In this case, it wasn’t just the captain who spoke out, but the President too. When they all gang up on one player, it becomes difficult, and above all not pleasant for the Inter fans.”

Calhanoglu is eager for a transfer to Galatasaray, but has not openly requested the move yet, as confirmed by Inter President Beppe Marotta.

Lautaro Martinez and Marotta reiterated that if a player is not enthusiastic about staying, then it is only right that he walk away.

The Turkish midfielder did not play in the Club World Cup due to injury, but was still in the squad.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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