Turin, 1 July (LaPresse) – "We lost yesterday. And it hurts. I felt sad, not only as a footballer, but as someone who really cares about this team. Despite my injury, I called some of my teammates right after the final whistle to show my support. Because when you care, that's what you do. What struck me the most, however, were the words that came after. Harsh words, words that divide, not unite.‘ In a statement published on his social media channels, Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu responded to the words of Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez, who, at the end of the match lost to Fluminense in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup, vented his frustration to the microphones, saying, ’Those who want to stay with us, stay; those who don't, leave." This was a reference to the Turkish midfielder, who has been targeted by Galatasaray. "In my entire career, I have never looked for excuses. I have always taken responsibility. I have played through pain. And in difficult moments, I have always tried to be a point of reference. Not with words, but with actions. I respect every opinion, even that of a teammate, even that of the president. But respect cannot be one-sided,‘ Calhanoglu continued. ’I have always demonstrated that, both on and off the pitch."
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