By Inigo Martinez, a highly respected veteran of Athletic Club, has taken to social media to share the news of his imminent departure from the club. At 32 years old, the experienced centre-back’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and he has made the decision not to extend his tenure with Athletic. Having spent an impressive six years with the team, Martinez expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Athleticzales for their unwavering support throughout his journey. In his farewell message, he acknowledged the immense difficulty of leaving behind his hometown of Bilbao and the deep connections he has forged there.
Martinez’s departure from Athletic has sparked strong speculation regarding his next destination, with all signs pointing towards a move to Barcelona as a free agent. Reports have been rife linking the defender with Barcelona throughout the summer, and it is widely believed that he will be the Blaugrana’s first signing in the 2023 summer transfer window. His arrival at Barcelona is expected to provide a much-needed boost to their defensive line, as he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the squad. Moreover, his left-footed presence in central defence will address a current void within the Barcelona lineup.
During his remarkable spell at Athletic, Martinez amassed an impressive record of 177 appearances for the team. Notably, he made significant contributions from his defensive position, scoring 8 goals and providing 7 assists. His impact was further highlighted by his instrumental role in Athletic’s triumph in the Spanish Supercup in 2021, solidifying his status as a key figure within the Basque giants.
As he embarks on this new chapter of his career, Martinez’s departure from Athletic Club marks the end of an era. The footballing world eagerly awaits his next move to Barcelona, where his skill, leadership, and left-footed prowess are expected to make a notable difference in strengthening the team’s defensive capabilities.
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