Lautaro Martinez reveals he and striker partner Romelu Lukaku remained in constant contact during the latter's failed spell at Chelsea last season before a return to the San Siro this summer.
The Argentinian forward, 24, told Sky Italia he and Lukaku spoke 'every day' and was looking forward to reuniting with the Belgian forward as Inter look to win back their Serie A title from arch nemesis AC Milan.
Inter began their campaign well with two consecutive wins against Lecce and Spezia, with both forwards notching their first goals of the season.
Martinez told SkyItalia: 'I am very happy he came back because he said we need to battle against everyone. He’ll give us a big hand and we will continue battling alongside him.
'We kept in contact and spoke every day from the moment he left. He is a great help to this team.
'We all want to keep improving, we have four talented strikers and all bring different characteristics.'
Martinez and Lukaku have played 79 games together, during which time they have combined for 20 goals - one of which came against Spezia on on Saturday - in all competitions, and won a Serie A title in 2020-21.
Lukaku's return to Inter this summer on loan came after an unexpectedly poor return to former club Chelsea in which he managed only 13 goals in 42 games in all competitions, having arrived for a club-record fee of £98million in August 2021.
Despite scoring three in his first four games. Lukaku then went goalless in the Premier League until December where he scored in successive games before another barren patch that lasted until May.
And it was not just in front of goal that he proved disappointing for Blues fans. The 29-year-old gave an explosive interview for SkyItalia in December 2021, admitting he was disappointed with his role in the Chelsea side and questioned Thomas Tuchel's tactics.
'Physically I'm doing great. I'm just not very happy with the situation, but that's normal,' Lukaku revealed in 2021.
'I think the boss has decided to play a different formation but I have to stick at it and get on with it professionally.
'I'm not happy with the situation but it's my job and I mustn't give up. I always said that I love Inter and I'll play for them again. I really hope so. I fell in love with Italy.
'I hope from the bottom of my heart to go back to Inter and not at the end of my career but when I'm still at a good enough level to win more trophies.'