When Inigo Martinez traded the grandeur of Barcelona for the golden sands of Riyadh, few anticipated him to talk so candidly about his transfer — or his first encounters with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spanish defender, now donning the yellow of Al-Nassr, has opened up about his early days alongside the Portuguese famous person, sharing a surprisingly revealing four-word declare that captured international consideration.
After two rollercoaster seasons at Barcelona, Martinez made the daring resolution to depart the Camp Nou this summer season. The 34-year-old, who helped the Blaugrana full a home treble final season, exercised a clause in his contract that allowed him to depart without cost if a profitable provide from overseas arrived. That supply got here from Saudi Arabia — and extra particularly, from a membership that has change into synonymous with ambition: Al-Nassr.
The veteran defender’s journey in Catalonia ended on a excessive word. Having joined Barca in 2023 as a free agent from Athletic Membership, the centre-back initially struggled to adapt beneath Xavi Hernandez. Nonetheless, his fortunes turned beneath Hansi Flick, with whom he developed what he referred to as an “distinctive” relationship. He grew to become a cornerstone of a protection that featured rising star Pau Cubarsí, and his commanding presence earned him a brief contract extension earlier this 12 months.
But when the Saudi Professional League got here calling, the attract proved irresistible. The Saudi giants supplied not simply monetary safety but in addition a brand new problem — an opportunity to associate with one of many biggest gamers in soccer historical past. “I didn’t even dare to inform Hansi Flick about my resolution,” Martinez admitted, emphasizing how tough it was to half methods with a supervisor who had reignited his profession.
What did Inigo Martinez say about Ronaldo?
However it was his remarks about Cristiano Ronaldo that caught the attention of followers internationally. When requested about his first impressions of his new teammate, the Spanish veteran delivered a mirrored image that summed up his expertise to this point — a easy however profound four-word assertion: “Typically appearances are deceiving.”
That phrase, each humble and revealing, spoke volumes about what the defender has witnessed in Riyadh. He went on to elaborate: “His welcome shocked me. He’s approachable, aggressive, and lives soccer to the fullest.”
Behind the worldwide fame and thoroughly curated picture, the 34-year-old defender discovered a teammate deeply dedicated to his craft, nonetheless hungry for fulfillment even within the twilight of his profession. Ronaldo’s relentless professionalism and heat towards newcomers have made an impression not simply on the Spaniard however on your complete dressing room.
