Athletic Bilbao defender Iñigo Martínez has finally broken his silence on the rumors linking him to Barcelona.
Born in Ondarroa, Íñigo Martínez began his career at the Aurrera Ondarroa academy. However, he later joined Real Sociedad’s La Liga youth team.
The defender then graduated from the Real Sociedad youth academy and was promoted to the main team. Íñigo Martínez gradually became one of the most important players in the Real Sociedad squad.
The defender played seven years for Sociedad before finally joining Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao in the January 2018 transfer window. Since then, Martínez has been an integral part of the Bilbao squad. Íñigo Martínez has also represented Spain in the international arena.
Barcelona points to Íñigo Martínez unsure about his future
Catalan giants Barcelona have been linked with Spanish international Íñigo Martínez since the start of the season. But all summer they failed to secure it and then they signed Jules Kounde from Sevilla.
Then another report suggested that Barcelona asked the centre-back to exhaust his contract so they could sign him for free next summer. But suddenly, when Gerard Piqué announced his retirement, the rumors gained more strength.
And now at last, Íñigo Martínez has decided to break his silence about all this. The Athletic Bilbao defender said that he feels comfortable with his current club, but that he is not sure where he will play after the end of his contract.
The Spanish international said: “I am happy here, I am very comfortable. Let’s say that my future is not at all clear, but this is not the time or the place to be able to talk about the subject of my renewal. All this can lead to confusion. I avoid any topic of this kind.” (Via- Sports World)
“The negotiation is there, the issue is being handled by my representatives, doing the best for me and for Athletic”, added Íñigo Martínez.
Gerard Piqué has been one of the great names of Barcelona throughout his career. Although the former Spain international hasn’t been in the limelight this season, it will be a very big task for the Catalan giants to replace the defender.
Íñigo Martínez, 31, is still in his prime. The defender has often been compared to another Barcelona legend, Carlos Puyol, for his heading ability and quality of leadership. Inigo is also a left-footed centre-back who is not currently in the Barcelona setup.
So obviously if Barcelona can add him, he can become a very good asset for them.
