How Inter responded to Josep Martinez car accident that killed 81-year-old | OneFootball

Josep Martinez is expected to take the week off training with Inter after being involved in a fatal road traffic collision that resulted in the death of an 81-year-old in a wheelchair on Tuesday morning.

Here is how the club responded in the immediate aftermath of the tragic incident on Tuesday.

What happened with Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez?

At around 9.40 am local time on Tuesday morning, Inter’s second-choice goalkeeper Josep Martinez was involved in a road traffic collision that resulted in the death of an 81-year-old man in an electric wheelchair.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Josep Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after his teammate Hakan Calhanoglu scored his side’s first goal during the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The wheelchair user, named as Paolo Saibene, was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the prompt arrival of ambulances and an air ambulance.

Martinez stopped immediately and attempted to administer first aid according to reports immediately after the incident.

Inter, who are due to take on Fiorentina in Serie A on Wednesday evening, decided to cancel head coach Cristian Chivu’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday as a result of the incident.

Cristian Chivu Inter press conference during 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, representatives from the club will contact Saibene’s family in the coming hours to express their condolences.

Martinez, meanwhile, was forced to comply with all legal obligations. He was reportedly taken to a local police station, was subjected to drug and alcohol tests, and was accompanied by the club’s lawyer.

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, he returned home at around 18.00 local time, where a psychologist appointed by the club was already waiting for him.

Martinez’s teammates have already reached out to express their support, but it is expected that the Spaniard will not return to the club until next week.