Spanish defender Iñigo Martínez has opened up about his emotional departure from Barcelona, detailing the heartfelt conversation he had with manager Hansi Flick before finalizing his move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
In an interview with COPE, Martínez described the difficulty of breaking the news to Flick, who had considered him a key part of his plans. “Hansi Flick indeed had a lot of affection for me, but he also knew exactly what I brought to the team, both on and off the field,” Martínez stated. “He saw me as a key piece, a pivotal element in his plans, so when a part of that puzzle fell apart at the last moment, suddenly and unexpectedly, it was natural for him to feel some doubt or confusion.”
Martínez admitted he struggled to find the right moment for the conversation. “I didn’t dare tell him right away. There were moments when I told myself: ‘Tomorrow, I’ll tell him tomorrow.’ Then tomorrow came, and I’d say: ‘Later, not now.'”
The conversation finally took place during a flight after their final match. “It was a long journey… I finally decided to talk to him on the plane. And indeed, the news caught him completely off guard, a surprise, of course, for him.”
Now at Al Nassr, Martínez expressed gratitude for his time at Barcelona and emphasized his commitment to making a strong impact in Saudi Arabia. He also remains available for selection for the Spanish national team.
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