Spanish player left Barcelona to join Cristiano Ronaldo: I'm over the moon | OneFootball

Iñigo Martínez has parted ways with Barcelona to play in Saudi Arabia, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spanish international believes he made the right decision and does not regret leaving the current Spanish champions to head to the Middle East.

"It's the first time I've stepped out of my comfort zone, and I was looking forward to it. I wanted to compete in this league and have this fantastic experience," he said in statements to the official channels of the Saudi club. The 'La Roja' international explained that the move allows him to "continue competing at the highest level" and "try to win every possible title."

The 34-year-old central defender did not hide Cristiano Ronaldo's influence on his decision last summer: "I had the opportunity to play against him in many matches. It was hard to stop him. But to be able to share the dressing room with him... not everyone gets that opportunity," admitted Martínez, who faced the Portuguese star during his time at Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao.

The two are now reunited as teammates, and the Spanish defender says he is very happy: "Having the chance to have him on my side and fight for titles with him is something that motivates and excites me. I am happy at this great club with the best players in the world," he concluded.

In 2024/25, wearing the Barcelona shirt, Iñigo Martínez – valued at 5 million euros – played 46 matches: 28 in La Liga, 11 in the Champions League, five in the Copa del Rey, and two in the Spanish Super Cup. In the 3,976 minutes he was on the pitch, the Spaniard scored three goals and provided six assists. This season, he has made three appearances for Al Nassr.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.