Inter Milan striker and captain Lautaro Martínez has this week spoken publicly for the first time on the recent transfer speculation linking him with a move to La Liga champions Barcelona.

Frontman Lautaro of course saw his name emerge as an altogether prominent one in the media headlines in Catalunya’s capital over the final weeks of this summer’s transfer window.

After the Camp Nou brass were forced to face up to missing out on priority transfer target Julián Alvarez, the Argentine’s fellow countryman was earmarked as a potential backup option.

In the end, the links between the parties came to nothing, as Barcelona settled for the cut-price addition of Gabriel Jesus.

Speaking during an interview with Sky Sports this week, though, Lautaro himself was nevertheless asked for his take on the rumours tipping him for a Blaugrana switch.

And the 29-year-old made use of the opportunity to reiterate his complete and total commitment to current employers Inter Milan:

“Barcelona links made me proud, but I want to stay here; my only clear desire is to stay at Inter. I love this club, I love these people, I love the fans. I will stay here as long as they want me.”