Dorival Júnior says Martínez’s Corinthians split was his own doing | OneFootball

Unveiled by São Paulo on Monday, former Corinthians coach Dorival Júnior addressed José Martínez’s contract termination, saying the issue rested with the player rather than him.

According to Globo.com, Dorival said it was Martínez who stayed away abroad, adding the midfielder needed to resolve his situation with the Corinthians board.

After Dorival’s April dismissal by Corinthians, Martínez posted on Instagram blaming the coach for his absence from the team, warning he would pay, invoking God and promising the truth would emerge.

Corinthians ended the Venezuelan’s deal after he reported back 35 days late and with a knee injury, a situation the club judged unsustainable. Directors considered sacking him for just cause but decided there was insufficient legal backing, so pursued a negotiated exit.

When he eventually returned, more than a month past the deadline citing problems obtaining a new passport, Martínez complained of pain in his left knee. Medical tests days later confirmed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in that knee.

The club agreed to fund his surgery and pay 30% of his wages from February to December 2026, excluding January. In return, Martínez waived his 2027 salaries, having originally been contracted to 31 December 2027.

For Corinthians, Martínez made 70 appearances, scored two goals and won two trophies, the Campeonato Paulista and the 2025 Copa do Brasil.

Source: Globo.com