Former Barcelona center-Back Inigo Martinez has publicly discussed his unanticipated departure from the Catalan club this summer, culminating in a transfer to Al nassr of the Saudi Pro League. The experienced defender shared insights into his decision-making process and his sentiments toward his previous team.

Unexpected Offer and a Difficult Conversation

Martinez disclosed that the pivotal decision occurred while travelling with the Barcelona squad.He recounted a private discussion with then-manager Hansi Flick, revealing the surprising nature of the offer. “I initiated a conversation with Hansi near one of the aircraft’s emergency exits. We thoroughly discussed the situation, and the manager expressed his astonishment.I informed him that I had received a proposal that I found impossible to decline.”

Acknowledging the difficulty of the choice, Martinez expressed gratitude for the club’s handling of his exit. “It was not a straightforward decision; I needed to act swiftly. I appreciated the club’s cooperative approach, a courtesy not always extended to players in such situations,” he stated.

A Career Peak and Future Considerations

Reflecting on his time in Spain, Martinez identified the previous season as the highlight of his career. “Last year represented the pinnacle of my professional journey, yet I anticipated significant challenges in remaining with the club for another year,” he explained. This sentiment suggests a complex interplay of personal and professional factors influenced his decision.

Praise for Fermin Lopez

martinez offered high praise for his former teammate, Fermin Lopez, emphasizing his valuable contributions to the team dynamic. “Fermin possesses immense importance within the dressing room, consistently providing a positive impact whenever he participates. he is a reserved individual with a perpetual smile, demonstrating genuine humility and a significant contribution to the team’s cohesion.I firmly believed that Fermin would remain at Barcelona,” Martinez affirmed. He conveyed encouragement to Lopez during thier farewell, urging him to maintain his current trajectory and recognize his future importance.

Champions League Disappointment and Rising Stars

The Centre-Back revisited the painful Champions League semi-final defeat against Inter Milan, describing it as a deeply disheartening experience. “That semi-final was a significant setback. The elimination felt unjust; We deserved progression to the final. Securing another opportunity will be difficult, but I remain hopeful, and I will be supporting the team,” he noted.

Martinez also lauded the exceptional talent of young player Lamine Yamal. “I have had the privilege of playing alongside many skilled players, and yamal is truly remarkable both on and off the pitch.Defending against him requires disrupting his rhythm, yet his intelligence makes that a considerable challenge. Thankfully, he appears unfazed by the pressure,” he observed.

A Final Word on Real Madrid

Martinez concluded with a candid assessment of Real Madrid during his time at Barcelona. “Real Madrid held respect for only one opponent: Us. You could perceive it on the field, sensing their unease. It was only a short while later that we witnessed their expressions, revealing their discomfort.That was our perception,and it fueled our victory,” he proclaimed.

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