FC Barcelona fans are feeling excited ahead of the new season with the squad they currently have. The new La Liga season begins on Friday, and Barcelona will play its opener on Saturday against Mallorca.
The club signed Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghji, and Joan Garcia, but they also lost a key player in Iñigo Martinez. The Spanish defender was arguably the best defender at Barcelona last season. What made things worse is that Barcelona did not receive a transfer fee from Al Nassr as the defender joined for free.
Many Barcelona fans were upset to hear the news of Martinez leaving the club, and it is expected that there will be no replacement arriving this summer transfer window.
Martinez joined Al Nassr quickly and already made his debut as he played in their friendly against Almeria over the weekend.
After a few days of settling in, Martinez breaks his silence on leaving Barcelona and reveals the real reason behind the quick departure.
Iñigo Martinez on Leaving FC Barcelona
Martinez revealed that he had a conversation with Hansi Flick and that the German coach was understanding with his decision to leave. The Spanish defender also mentions that the offer Al Nassr proposed was an offer he couldn’t refuse in terms of his career ahead.
Iñigo Martinez: “I spoke with Flick when I returned from the tour. I was honest with him because I knew he would understand me completely, as I have one year left on my contract, and I am 34 years old. It’s not that I was earning low at Barcelona, where I and my family was also comfortable. I had a significantly high wage. These trains pass by rarely, and it’s hard to say no. It surprised him, but he understood completely.”
Despite leaving the club, Martinez feels sad to leave Barcelona and its fans. He thanks the Barcelona fans for their support despite only spending two years at the club.
Iñigo Martinez: “I am strong, but internally, it was tough. The farewells were difficult but good at the same time. I thank the Barça fans. I may have arrived late, with an injury, but I did everything to make up for it during my second year.”
Barcelona have yet considered to sign another defender and Flick revealed that he doesn’t think the club will sign another defender after the Joan Gamer Trophy Final against Como 1907.
