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Argentine Striker Lautaro Martinez Signs New Inter Milan Contract
Argentine Striker, Lautaro Martinez committed his future to Inter Milan on Monday after signing a new contract that keeps him with the Serie A champions until 2029.
“FC Internazionale Milano can confirm that an agreement has been reached to extend Lautaro Martinez’s contract. The 1997-born forward has put pen to paper on a deal lasting until 30 June 2029,” said Inter in a statement.
Lautaro will reportedly earn a net salary of nine million euros per season after renewing a deal that was set to expire in two years.
Last month, Inter president Giuseppe Marotta said that Lautaro had already agreed to his new contract, but the club would wait for him to return from post-Copa America vacation before making the announcement.
Lautaro was key to Argentina retaining the Copa America, netting five times including the only goal in the final triumph over Colombia.
Lautaro Martinez secures the 2024 CopaAmerica Golden Boot
The forward has scored 129 goals in 282 appearances for Inter since joining from Racing Club in 2018.
“I am very happy to have extended my contract with Inter,” he said on Instagram. “And I am proud to have the privilege of continuing to wear the captain’s armband to defend our colors as I have always done since the day I arrived in Milan.
“We have a long season ahead of us and we need all of you. Thank you so much for the support, affection, and love you have always shown me.”
The 26-year-old achieved international glory after playing a key role in leading Inter to their second Serie A title in four seasons, concluding the successful campaign with an impressive 19-point lead over local rivals AC Milan.
The Inter skipper topped the scoring charts with 24 goals in 33 league appearances, eight strikes ahead of his nearest rival Dusan Vlahovic.
Lautaro confirming his decision to remain at Inter is a significant morale booster for a club that entered the off-season feeling uncertain following a sudden change in ownership.
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez with his children and wife
Investment fund Oaktree took control of Inter just days after they won their 20th league crown when previous owners Suning defaulted on repayment of a loan that matured at 395 million euros.
However, Oaktree has opted for continuity rather than revolution since ousting ex-president Steven Zhang and Chinese conglomerate Suning, under whom Inter won seven trophies, including two Serie A titles, and reached two European finals.
This month, Coach Simone Inzaghi extended his contract with Inter until 2026, while star midfielder Nicolo Barella signed a new deal that will keep him with the club until 2029, in preparation for Euro 2024.
Inter begin their league title defense at Genoa on Saturday.
