Barcelona defender reflects on humble beginnings with lower-league club – ‘It’s an honour’ | OneFootball

Gerard Martin has been one of the beneficiaries of Barcelona’s ongoing injury woes, as Alejandro Balde’s time out on the sidelines has given him the opportunity to start often for Barça this season.

The young left-back has already amassed almost 520 minutes of competitive action this season, establishing himself as a firm backup for Balde.

However, in a recent media interaction (h/t SPORT), Martin, amid his current success, talked about his humble beginnings at his youth club, Cornella.

Gerard Martin on his time at Cornella

“I debuted with the first team when I was still a youth player, then I made the jump and stayed. In the end, you’re very happy to be in Cornellà’s first team at that time,” Martin said about his initial stint at Cornella.

“Then I made the jump to Barça B, and then you end up reaching the first team. Words fall a little short,” he added.

Gerard Martin was involved in Cornella’s youth system from a young age and was even promoted to the senior team in 2021.

In fact, he featured in 59 matches for Cornella before joining the Barcelona academy in 2023.

“It’s an honour to know what you’ve been through here and to come back and see that you have the shirt hanging there, it’s something very gratifying.”

Martin has been a regular for Barcelona due to Balde’s injury. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“I’m very happy, because in the end it’s something that all children, when they’re little, always dream about a little. At first, you don’t quite believe it, but then, with the competitions, everything comes to you,” he said about his humble beginnings.

Gerard Martin also talked about how Cornella has always produced great footballers. The club, after all, was home to many talented Spanish players, including left-back Jordi Alba and goalkeeper David Raya.

“Cornellà has historically always produced very good players. They do a very good job with the youth system. In the lower categories, they are always at the highest level, competing with Barça, Espanyol, Girona,” he said.

Martin went on to express his emotional connection with Cornella, admitting that his heart will always belong to the club.

“I was here for five years and I was very happy. And it was where I had the opportunity after reaching professional football. I always have good memories of here. Cornellà, in the end, is like my home too, and I will always be very grateful to Cornellà,” he added.

Finally, Gerard Martin talked about his current status in the Barcelona setup, having featured in a handful of matches this season, especially given that Hansi Flick has also not ruled out continuing with the Spaniard.

“It is a great honour to be able to play with the team you always wanted to play with,” he concluded.