Last week there was a lot of surprise when it was revealed that Inigo Martinez would leave Barcelona to become a member of Al-Nassr. The veteran defender was expected to be a permanent starter for the coming season 2025-26, but in the end he chose to make a change in his professional career late.
And he has now opened himself during an interview with Onda Vasca (via Diario AS). He stated that it was the right time for him to end his Barcelona spell.
“It was surprising a lot of people. The fans liked me, I generated enthusiasm, but nowadays in football things change from one to the next day. At the economic level you cannot compare this competition with one of the others.
“Looking at my career and what I have achieved, it was the ideal moment to take this step. These trains pass once – if they don't pass at all, so it's hard to say no. No one is willing to see these kinds of contracts, when they imagine it, you don't agree.”
During the weekend, the President Joan Laporta of Barcelona shed through that the exit of Martinez was accepted by the club because it would help a lot of help with their financial misery. He was only a deal for only a year, and interesting enough, the player himself admitted that his decision could have been different if his situation was not what it was. He also spoke about the moment he informed the film of his intention to leave.
“I would have thought about it. It is not that I was a low -paid player, we were comfortable. It is difficult for the family to make this decision.
“I knew that (Hansi Flick) would understand me considering my situation in the club. I had a year left on my contract, I am 34 and these options rarely happen. It was surprising, but after a few minutes I could see that he got it. He felt sorry for me – it was mutual.”
Martinez also spoke about saying goodbye to his now formator Barcelona teammates.
“It was a very emotional farewell, I kept my calmness, but I was pretty struck inside. The start was exceptional and I will always be grateful all the culés. In a short time I won everyone's affection.”