Inigo Martinez talks Lamine, Ballon d’Or, Barcelona exit, injuries, Real Madrid – ‘We were superior’ | OneFootball

One of the most surprising transfers that happened at FC Barcelona this summer was the departure of defender Inigo Martinez, who left to sign for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

The seasoned campaigner was a permanent fixture in the defensive line for Barça under Hansi Flick last season as the team went on to win the domestic treble.

He was expected to have a prominent role in the new season as well, but opted to leave for Saudi Arabia, after receiving a very lucrative contract proposal.

Martinez discusses Barcelona exit

In a recent interview with MARCA, Martinez opened up on his spell at Barcelona and what made him decide to leave the club this past summer for Al-Nassr.

“I was in pre-season training when the offer came in, and I realised that you have to stop and think about it,” opened up Martinez.

“You’re moving your whole family, leaving a place where you were going to continue being a starter, but you have to weigh everything up and, whether you like it or not, age is a factor,” he noted.

Continuing on how the demands at the highest level played a role in his decision, the Spaniard remarked:

“The pace never stops, it just keeps getting faster, and giving 50 per cent isn’t enough because you always have to give your all. The demands are enormous and you push yourself to the limit.

“A lot of time away, a lot of travelling, and I think it was time to step aside. It was time to come here. I had won the hearts of many, the fans, the club, the players, I had achieved a lot.”

“It was time to make room for others and for me to continue with my football, with my ideas and enjoying another country that is giving me everything.”

On injuries and last season

Inigo Martinez left Barcelona last summer. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Inigo had been dealing with several injury problems prior to his arrival at Barcelona. He even struggled with fitness woes upon his arrival at the club in 2023, but they soon became a thing of the past, especially last season.

Opening up on how the move to Barça helped him leave behind those problems, Martinez explained:

“When I arrived at Barcelona, I had a fascia injury that kept me out for 5-6 months. Every morning was hell. I had never had such a hard time. At times, I considered taking a step back and quitting. There were days when I couldn’t even walk.

“I was lucky to get that contract with Barça, to see the best doctors, to try different treatments, and one of them helped me a lot. It was amazing; it saved me.

“I got back into the game and shortly afterwards, I tore my hamstring twice. I accepted my role and tried to give my all in every training session. Respecting everyone and always thinking about the team.”

On his fitness last season, he noted: “The following year, I saw my opportunity when players like Ronald [Araujo] and Andreas [Christensen] were injured. I pushed myself to the limit in every way. Both on and off the pitch.”

Talking about how he was enjoying playing under Hansi Flick last season, but at the same time, the challenges that the high backline brought, Martinez elaborated:

“Well, enjoying it and suffering at the same time by keeping the line so high, perfect and precise. It was one of the things Flick insisted on. It was and is his style of play, the way he wanted the team to play. We polished it to perfection,” he said.

“It was a year in which I enjoyed myself to the fullest and learned a lot. I didn’t know what it was like to win titles, as I had only won the Super Cup with Athletic, and suddenly there were finals and I was able to win and enjoy them… gives me goosebumps.”

On Lamine Yamal and Ballon d’Or

When asked about the 2025 Ballon d’Or gala that took place earlier this week, where his former teammate Lamine Yamal finished second behind eventual winner Ousmane Dembele, Martinez said:

“I was watching closely because I really liked Lamine, and I really liked Raphinha. The choice was between Lamine and Dembele, but to be honest, I knew Dembele was going to win. He had won the Champions League, and that carries a lot of weight.

Continuing on Lamine, he added: “I knew Dembele had more chances, but there he is, 18 years old and runner-up for the Ballon d’Or… who can say anything like that? He has many years ahead of him.

“I hope he continues to enjoy football because he is an exceptional lad, both on and off the pitch. Next year he will be there.”

On Real Madrid

Inigo celebrating Barcelona’s Copa del Rey final win vs Real Madrid. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Regarding Barcelona’s undisputed dominance over Real Madrid last season, as they defeated their rivals four times – twice in La Liga, once each in the Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals, Martinez said:

“There were matches where you felt superior or where the opposition seemed overwhelmed at certain moments. I didn’t have that feeling two years ago. I saw a Real Madrid side that stood up to us and knew they were going to get their chance and cause us problems.

“Last season wasn’t like that. We knew that Real Madrid always has one or two clear chances per game, but we knew that we were going to have many more than them. Tactically, we were superior, with the ball, too. We created a lot.”

Martinez also made it clear that he was confident Barça would prevail in the Copa del Rey final despite Real Madrid putting up a strong fight.

“They came back at us, but I never felt that the match was going to slip away from us. I didn’t feel like, forget it, because no one can beat Real Madrid, especially in a final. It’s strange to play against Real Madrid and not feel like you can’t beat them,” he said.

“That wasn’t the case. Our momentum was very good, we had beaten them in La Liga and the Super Cup, which were big wins and that counts for a lot. When you come up against a team you’ve beaten like that, you’re subconsciously afraid.”

On the current Real Madrid team, he acknowledged: “This year, Real Madrid are looking very good, with lots of changes and a great manager in Xabi Alonso, with whom I played alongside. I have no doubt that it will be much more difficult now.”