Former Inter Milan striker Diego Milito revealed Atletico Madrid were close to signing Lautaro Martinez back in 2017 when he was still under contract with Argentinean club Racing Club de Avellaneda. However, Milito apparently informed Javier Zanetti about negotiations, so the Nerazzurri hijacked the Colchoneros’ bid. Tonight, the Nerazzurri host Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 at San Siro.Lautaro Martinez golazo vs Atlético Madrid in friendly game in 2018: pic.twitter.com/Wrph8IvE7v— F.C. InterData (@Fcinterdata) February 20, 2024 “Simply, Inter were better and readier to get him,” El Principe told La Gazzetta dello Sport.”When I became a director at Racing, negotiations with Atletico Madrid were ongoing already. There was a gap of two or three million, not more. I called Javier Zanetti because I knew Inter were interested too, so they made their move. Piero Ausilio came here, and we closed the deal. I don’t think I convinced him to go one way or the other, but I am happy it ended like this.”It’s all Inter’s merit because they seized the moment and were quick in making an exceptional signing,” insisted Milito, before adding:”I knew Milan would be the right choice for Lautaro. An Argentinean always feels at home there. I think he would have emerged at Atletico Madrid as well, because champions can play everywhere, but the Inter-Argentina bond is something special.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7891870##Asked about tonight’s game, Milito said:”It will be a tough game. Inter are slightly superior. They are one of the best clubs in Europe with great organization, but they’ll face a smart and prepared coach,” noted Milito.”Diego Simeone is always able to take the best out of his players in difficult moments and he has experienced players like De Paul and Griezmann. We’ll see who will take control of midfield.”UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE1/8 finalsTuesdayCopenhagen – Man.City 1-3 (1-2)/Mattsson 34 – De Bruyne 10, Silva 45+1, Foden 90+3/RB Leipzig – Real Madrid 0-1 (0-0)/Diaz 49/WednesdayPSG – Sociedad 2-0 (0-0)/Mbappe 58, Barcola 71/Lazio – Bayern 1-0 (0-0)/Immobile 69 pen/Tuesday the 20th23:00: (2.00) Inter (3.40) Atl.Madrid (3.90)23:00: (2.15) PSV (3.45) Dortmund (3.35)Wednesday the 21st23:00: (4.10) Porto (3.50) Arsenal (1.90)23:00: (2.70) Napoli (3.35) Barcelona (2.60)***odds are subject to change***
