Riyadh victorious new aid Inigo Martinez was interviewed and talked about the reasons why he transferred from Barcelona to Saudi Arabia (visa-free).

Asked: When and how did you inform Flick of the news that you decided to leave?

Inigo Martinez: "I talked to Frick after I came back from the Tour because we had more important things during the Tour. I didn't want to have a break. After I came back, I decided to talk to him and be open to him because considering my situation, he would understand me: I only have one year left in my contract, and I am 34 years old, and this opportunity is hard to refuse. This surprised him, but he fully understood. From the second minute of our conversation, he felt very sorry because he admired me and we appreciated each other. It was a moment of sadness and excitement because I was about to start a new life to another city and country, and he couldn't let me on his team anymore."

asked: You had one year left in the contract at that time. If the contract lasted longer, would your decision be different?

Inigo Martinez: "If my contract is longer, I will definitely reconsider it. My salary in Barcelona is not low, and my family is happy here. It is not easy to make this decision because it affects my wife and daughters, but it is certain that if the contract is longer, I will think more."

Question: What exactly is the offer for victory in Riyadh that makes you decide to take this step?

Inigo Martinez: "When you see this offer, you can't believe it. No one can prepare for such a contract, at least I can't. I have always been an average player, climbing up step by step through hard work and sweat, but when you receive such a contract, you will be caught off guard, and even more so for my family. From an economic perspective, this league is unmatched by other leagues. Given my career and my contribution to Barcelona, I think I have to take this step. The player's career is short-lived, and when such an opportunity comes, it's hard to refuse."

Question: What's your farewell to the club and the fans? Are there any regrets?

Inigo Martinez: "This transfer is very sudden for many people. I quickly won the favor of the fans and gave them hope, so my departure caught them off guard, but this is football, we were used to changing rapidly. It was a very touching farewell. I said goodbye to everyone in the locker room and tried to stay calm. I didn't like to say goodbye. This departure was handled very well and I will always thank all the Barcelona fans. It was not easy when I first came, but in the following year I exceeded the task and won everyone's love in a short time. The only regret is that I failed to play at Camp Sportifino as a home team player."

Question: How is the victory in the new team Riyadh, especially with stars like Ronaldo?

Inigo Martinez: "I was very surprised. Someone told me that he was very good. When I was at Real Madrid, I got information about him that he had a good relationship with his teammates in the locker room. In Portugal, he was waiting for me in the hall, and in order to say hello to me and chat for a while, he was very approachable and cheerful. I am very happy to be here."

Question: What about other players, such as Laporte and Nico Williams?

Inigo Martinez: "Yes, when I receive this offer, I always talk to people who have been here for a few years, and I talk to Laporte and Carrasco. As for Nico, we contacted him almost every two days throughout the summer, and he ended up staying at Athletic Bilbao, and I'm very happy for him. We certainly hoped he would come to Barcelona, but I'm really happy for him because he's a great guy and always smiles. I'm glad he's staying there."