It has been a little over a week since Barcelona officially announced the signing of Inigo Martinez. The 32-year-old arrived on a free transfer after his contract with Athletic Club expired on June 30 and has signed a two-year deal until 2025 with the Catalans.
And today, the La Liga champions presented the veteran defender as he and club president Joan Laporta signed the contracts in public at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
Following that, the defender spoke to the media (h/t SPORT), opening up on his feelings about joining Barcelona and several other topics.
“It is a pride and a pleasure to come to this great team, to the best team in the world. You have placed a lot of trust in me and I hope to repay it with enthusiasm and excitement,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get out on the pitch and live this beautiful and demanding experience. I have no doubt that everything is going to be great and it will be a great year. Visca el Barça.”
Speaking at the press conference after his presentation, Martinez added: “I’ve been treated very well from the very first moment. I’ve seen that my colleagues are wonderful people. People who want to help. I’m happy to be part of this big family.
Martinez joined the Barcelona squad that has begun pre-season training earlier this week. And opening up on his first days at the club, he said:
“I’m settling in. Meeting new people, getting to know everything a bit better. From minute one the treatment has been exceptional. I couldn’t have been treated better. I’m looking forward to jumping in and doing things with the team.”
However, the 32-year-old has not trained with the rest of the group yet as he is still recovering from an injury he sustained last season. But the Spaniard provided a positive update on his fitness, saying:
“The fascia injury is complicated, it lasts for a while, but I’m feeling much better. I feel a big improvement. I’m taking the next steps. I was told that there was no hurry to run. That I had to recover. Good feelings and soon I hope to do things with the team.”
On his conversations with manager Xavi Hernandez, Martinez said: “I had a chat with the coach. He has given me all the confidence. Everything is going to be fine, he is willing to help me. Xavi has always wanted me here. A player appreciates that.”
One of the concerns for Martinez following his arrival is his registration with La Liga as Barcelona are dealing with Financial Fair Play issues. However, the defender insisted that he is totally relaxed over the matter, saying:
“I am not worried about registration. From minute one I was told the way things were. I’m still doing my job, doing the best I can. It’s up to those who have to do it. I have to work and give one hundred percent for the club. Absolute calm.”
On his relationship with Barcelona, he said: “I was just a few years away from arriving a few years ago, but that’s how football works, I’m finally here officially, I’m very happy and soon I’ll answer some questions in Catalan.”
Laporta recently claimed that Barça have a much better squad than their rivals Real Madrid. When asked about his thoughts on the same, the new signing replied:
“I don’t need to tell you that Barça are better than Madrid. They proved it last year, I’m coming to a great club, to win and to give 100 percent.”
On leaving Athletic Club to join Barcelona, he said: “When Barça call you, the rest of the teams are in the background. I didn’t hesitate, Xavi’s words were magnificent and I saw that he really wanted me, they helped me to take the step, a step that was difficult because I was at home, valued and loved.”
When asked about what he would bring to this Barcelona team, Martinez said: “When I compete I change quite a lot. I’ve been here for many years, and just because I’m new doesn’t mean I can’t provide leadership, there are young people who need it. I come here to learn, but also to transmit my desire to always win.”
“They have a very good defensive line from last year. I’m here to add to that. I’ll be the first. Then the coach will decide. First and foremost I’ll be a teammate and help out like the rest,” he added.
On playing in the UEFA Champions League again, he said: “I am very excited about the Champions League. I was lucky enough to play in it with Real Sociedad, with Athletic we couldn’t get in. Now I’m coming to a club that competes in the competition and I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’m optimistic, everyone at the club is, we all want to go further and win more titles, you can feel it in the dressing room, it will be a good year and we hope to win some more titles.”
When asked what convinced him to join Barcelona, Martinez replied: “Seeing Barça’s project, the ambition, the desire to turn the situation around…. But no matter the situation, when Barça call you, you pack your suitcase quickly and your eyes sparkle. Watching Xavi play was already a joy and that makes it easier”.
Laporta, Alemany welcome Martinez to Barcelona
President Laporta welcomed the new signing by saying: “Welcome to Barça, Inigo. We are very proud to have a player of your talent, experience, and character. We know that you are going to strengthen our defence a lot, Xavi is delighted with your signing.
“Thanks to everyone who have made it possible for Inigo to become a Barça player. It is a great operation for the club. With the experience you have, you will add character to the team.”
There was more praise from Laporta for the new signing, as he added: “You are a very coveted player and our defence will be strengthened with a player of your level. We are looking for an organiser of the defence, a motivator of teammates.”
Director Mateu Alemany also spoke about the Spaniard, saying that Martinez was the first name that the club looked at to replace club legend Gerard Pique.
“We were looking for a profile similar to that of Piqué. That was the challenge. The first name that came up was that of Inigo. He has the characteristics to help the team in such an important area. He has the advantage of playing in La Liga.
“His performance and adaptation will be immediate. He dominates all facets of the game. Technical, aerial, good ball movement. His character has been highly valued because his leadership is unquestionable.
