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Iñigo Martínez Opens Up on Emotional Barcelona Exit and Move to Al Nassr at 34

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Fahad Hamid | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 4:53 PM ET

Iñigo Martínez has finally broken his silence after his surprising decision to leave Barcelona for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. At 34 years old, and with just one year left on his contract, he was presented with an offer that he says was simply too good to turn down.

“These trains pass by rarely, and it is hard to say no,” he told Onda Vasca. Martínez made it clear that his choice was not about dissatisfaction with Barcelona. He and his family were happy and financially comfortable in Spain. “It is not that I was earning low at Barcelona,” he said. “We were very comfortable. I had a significantly high wage.”

Still, when the opportunity came, he could not ignore it. “Nobody is prepared to see these types of contracts,” he admitted. “When they propose it to you, you do not believe it.” He even hinted that if he had more years left on his deal, the decision might have been different.

An Emotional Goodbye to Barcelona

Martínez recalled the day he spoke with coach Hansi Flick after returning from the club’s pre season tour. He explained his age, his contract situation, and why this was the right moment for him. “I was honest with him because I knew he would understand me completely,” he said.

Although Flick was caught off guard, his reaction was full of respect and empathy. The conversation was emotional rather than tense, and Martínez admitted it left him sad. “It surprised him, but he understood completely,” he said. “It was a nice conversation, but it made me very sad because of the mutual affection between us.”

Saying goodbye to his teammates was even harder. He tried to remain composed but admitted he was “quite affected inside.” In just two years at Barcelona, he felt he had built strong relationships and won the affection of everyone in the dressing room.

Barcelona’s younger stars also showed how much he meant to them. Lamine Yamal posted a heartfelt message calling him “my captain,” a small gesture that clearly touched Martínez deeply.

What His Exit Means for Barcelona

For Barcelona, his departure brought mixed emotions. Financially, it eased the club’s tight budget. With Al Nassr taking on his wages, the Catalan side freed up millions, allowing them to register new arrivals such as Marcus Rashford and Joan García.

On the other hand, losing Martínez so close to the start of the season was a blow to their defence. He had become an important leader in the back line, guiding younger players and providing stability during big matches.

The move also came together quietly. Reports suggest that negotiations with Al Nassr were kept under wraps, with even Flick only learning of the deal during the flight home from the pre-season tour. Despite the surprise, the coach did not try to persuade Martínez to stay, acknowledging that he had earned the right to make his own decision at this stage of his career.

A New Chapter in Riyadh

On August 10, 2025, Al Nassr confirmed Martínez’s signing on a free transfer. His contract runs until 2026, marking a major step in a career that has taken him from Athletic Bilbao to Barcelona and now to one of the most ambitious clubs in Asia.

Al Nassr have been active in the transfer market, recently bringing in João Félix and extending Cristiano Ronaldo’s deal. Martínez said Ronaldo was one of the first to welcome him, greeting him at the team hotel on his arrival.

Still, moving to Riyadh has meant adapting to a very different environment. He described the scorching summer temperatures of around 43 degrees Celsius as “unbearable,” noting that most people only venture outside in the evenings. His family will join him later this month once he settles in fully.

Final thoughts

Iñigo Martínez’s decision to leave Barcelona for Al Nassr was not taken lightly. It was shaped by timing, age, and the reality that such offers do not come often. His farewell was handled with honesty and respect, leaving behind teammates and coaches who valued him greatly.

For Barcelona, his exit means losing a steady hand in defence but gaining financial breathing room. For Martínez, it is the start of a new adventure in Riyadh, with one last big challenge in his professional career.

In football, moments like these can be bittersweet. For Martínez, the sadness of leaving a club he cared for is matched only by the excitement of stepping into something new, with the knowledge that opportunities like this truly come only once.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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