Capello: Martinez Better Off Starting at Inter Than Sitting on Barcelona Bench

Fabio Capello has praised Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez but warned that a move to Barcelona could leave the Argentine struggling for regular playing time.

Martinez had been strongly linked with the Spanish giants after an impressive season in which he scored 16 goals in 31 appearances for Inter.

Capello, however, believes the 22-year-old should carefully consider his options before leaving Serie A.

“Lautaro Martinez is a very good player,” the former Real Madrid and Juventus coach told El Larguero.

“He has everything — a lot of quality, very fast movements and he’s also very good when he shoots on goal.”

Capello said Martinez would face strong competition for a place in Barcelona’s attack, particularly with Luis Suarez already established in the team.

“Going to Barcelona and becoming a starter with Luis Suarez there is difficult,” he said.

“I think it is better to be a starter at Inter than a substitute at Barcelona.”

Martinez joined Inter from Racing Club in 2018 and had scored 25 goals in 66 appearances for the Italian side as he continued to establish himself as one of Europe’s promising young forwards.