Inigo Martinez on completing his long-awaited move to Barcelona

Barcelona managed to come out of the transfer market unscathed financially, with sensible recruitment and low-cost signings.

Among the free transfers was Inigo Martinez, who arrived from Athletic Club to make up for the Blaugranas’ lack of left-footed center-backs.

With the ongoing international break, Inigo Martinez spoke to Mundo Deportivo as he presented himself as a solid addition to a squad that he hopes to win many titles with.

Martinez could have signed in 2017

When asked about the validity of Barcelona’s approach during the reign of Ernesto Valverde, Martinez confirmed the rumors, replying:

“Yes, there was an approach, to the point of wanting to sign me, but at the last minute, it went wrong. A lot of things were said, I really don’t know why it wasn’t done. 

“There was an intention that did not work out. My career continued in my line, both at Real and at Athletic, and in the end, I can say that I arrived at FC Barcelona, ​​which I always wanted so much.“

Despite the move failing to come to fruition in 2017, Martinez eventually signed for the Catalan giants and presented his thoughts on how the transfer was conducted this time around.

“I had one last year left at Athletic, I continued competing and doing things in the best way possible. When you continue competing in the best possible way, other clubs are interested.

“One day I received a call that convinced me. I had doubts, because when you are very comfortable at a club, it is difficult to leave, even if great teams come, and my heart was still there, but I made the decision to come,” the veteran center-back shared.

Martinez’s aspirations with Barcelona

When asked if he made the right call, Inigo optimistically answered:

“I think it is the right decision: I can grow, despite being 32 years old, and aspire to titles with which I can live those emotions, something that, at Athletic, is always more complicated despite having competed in finals in Cups and Super Cups. 

“Here, it is another level and I hope to enjoy those moments that I want so much.”

The Spaniard was further questioned if he sees himself with options to emerge victorious in La Liga and the Champions League, to which he expressed:

“Obviously, every year it is difficult to win titles, you have to do things well.” 

“But I think there is a template to fight for everything and there are no excuses in that sense. We are willing to give everything because what we really want is to win as many titles as possible.”