‘The Rodri of Inter' - Fabio Capello warns Serie A side against selling star who 'makes the team go round' as ex-coach criticises Lautaro Martinez for public attack on Hakan Calhanoglu

Calhanoglu's time at Inter has gone sour following the club's treble failure and Club World Cup elimination. After their last-16 clash against Fluminense, he was called out by Lautaro Martinez, who suggested the Turkey international leave if he does not want to be there. Having picked up an injury after their Champions League final defeat, Calhanoglu did not feature at the Club World Cup and was dropped from the squad for the loss.

The 31-year-old Turkish midfielder has been linked with Galatasaray for quite some time, and even expressed a desire to join the club. However, Capello insists Inter would be wrong to let him go, comparing him to Manchester City star Rodri.

Addressing the war of words between the two players, Capello said: “These dynamics should be resolved in the locker room. Lautaro spoke as captain, as is right, but when you target a team-mate who is not present at that moment, then in my opinion, it is not good. Problems should always be resolved face-to-face. It is the only solution."

Asked if Calhanoglu should go, he added: "He is the Rodri of Inter. A beacon, an indispensable player for the Nerazzurri's game. He is part of those linchpins that make the team go round. It is logical that it will not be easy, if necessary, to replace someone like him."

Calhanoglu’s future at Inter remains uncertain; however, a possible move to the Turkish Super Lig is still open for the midfielder.