Inigo Martinez has revealed that he "didn't even dare" tell his former coach Hansi Flick about his decision to leave Barcelona over the summer due to their "exceptional" relationship. After playing a major role in Barca's domestic dominance, the ex-Athletic Club centre-back left for the Saudi Pro League to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
Inigo Martinez begins new chapter at Al-Nassr
In a shock transfer during the summer transfer window, Martinez left Barcelona to sign a lucrative deal with the Riyadh giants. The centre-back moved to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he has joined Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo. His exit came after he played an extremely important role in helping Barca win La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana in addition to a semi-final run in the Champions League last season.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMartinez reveals how he shared the news of his Barca exit with Flick
In an interview with , Martinez said: "It's true that Hansi Flick had a lot of affection for me, but he also knew exactly what I brought to the team, not just on the field, but also off it. He saw me as a key piece, a pivotal element in his plans, so when a part of that puzzle fell apart at the last moment, suddenly and unexpectedly, it was natural for him to feel some doubt or confusion in that situation.
"He considered me a constant in the team, so any change surprised him a bit, which is normal – that's football. I think the surprise came from the fact that he found out while I was on the plane, more than anything else."
"Honestly, I didn't dare tell him right away. There were moments when I told myself: 'Tomorrow, I'll tell him tomorrow.' Then tomorrow came, and I'd say: 'Later, not now'. It was a long journey after the last match: several hours on the bus, a few stops at gas stations, then to the airport, and there, on the way, I spoke to his assistant, Marcus Sorg, and told him I wanted to talk to the coach because I had something on my mind that I needed to tell him."
"Finally, I decided to talk to him on the plane. And indeed, the news caught him completely off guard – a surprise, of course, for him."
Barca showing signs of faltering, but Martinez remains confident
The Catalans headed into the recently-concluded international break on the back of consecutive losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla, with critics emphasising on Flick's "suicidal" high-line tactics. Martinez, however, believes his old club will "fight and win titles."
“Being Bara's manager is complicated," he added. "Flick is clear, demanding, and has been the first to punish those who arrive late. But this year, he may notice that something isn't working as well and is nervous about the pressure, like any Barca fan. Even so, I have no doubt that Barca will fight and win titles.”
Getty Images SportInjuries threaten Barca's chance ahead of El Clasico
The Catalans find themselves in a miserable spot owing to their mounting injury crisis. The likes of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, Joan Garcia and Dani Olmo are certain to miss the clash against Real Madrid on October 26, while doubts remain over the participations of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez.