Martínez ends Corinthians stint after 35-day absence and ACL blow | OneFootball

Martínez ends his Corinthians stint after a 35-day absence and a serious knee injury, with the club agreeing an amicable termination that capped persistent disciplinary issues.

According to Globo.com, the Venezuelan said passport delays kept him in Venezuela for 35 days. After the 2-0 win over Red Bull Bragantino on Thursday, executive Marcelo Paz confirmed the split and said the club chose a negotiated exit over a unilateral breach.

Last October he skipped six training days after three off, receiving a wage deduction. In November he was sent off after 17 minutes for elbowing a Cruzeiro opponent.

On 3 January the squad returned, and Corinthians said Martínez was awaiting a new passport because the old one had no blank pages. Frustration grew as Dorival Júnior lamented the uncertainty, and it later emerged he only applied on 13 January.

He landed on 6 February and was diagnosed with a ruptured ACL after reporting knee pain. The club consulted its legal team and, amid his record, a festive match in Venezuela, communication issues and fan pressure, decided to part.

Corinthians will fund his surgery and pay 30% of his wages from February to December this year, while Martínez gives up everything due in 2027, when his deal would have expired. He departs after 70 games, two goals and two assists, plus the 2025 Campeonato Paulista and Copa do Brasil.

Goalkeeper Hugo Souza said the squad were sad, praised his contribution, stressed rules must be respected and wished him success.

Source: Globo.com