At just 20 years old, Arnau Martínez (2003, Premià de Dalt) is facing his third season as a Girona first-team player after Francisco made him debut at just 17, still at youth age, and he has already become a Fixed in Míchel's eleven, with more than 70 games played in the last two years, since the arrival of the Madrid man on the bench. His quality, versatility and daring have caught the attention of several clubs, including Barça, although now he only thinks of starting a new course in Montilivi.
What confidence does it give you to have closed the preseason undefeated and having played against rivals of the stature of Napoli or Lazio?
A lot! I don't know if it's good or bad not having lost a game yet, but I think it's much more positive than negative. The team has started very well, there is a good atmosphere, we are happy and the squad is excited and eager to start in a field as complicated as Anoeta. As always, we will go for the three points.
He already had minutes in these last preparation matches after having joined the group for the European under-21 later. How have you felt?
Very good, along the lines of the end of last season, which was very good. On a personal level, happy to have been able to play the European Championship this summer, although I started the first days of vacation a bit annoyed and with the thorn of having finished runners-up.
For one reason or another, but he is one of those who have taken few vacations again...
(Laughs). A couple of weeks, but enough to recharge the batteries without losing shape, because I haven't been standing still for so many days. The coach counted on me for the stay in Manchester, and that was when I joined the preseason.
You already know most of your classmates because the block is almost the same as last year. Does that make them stronger?
Definitely. Many of us have already been together for a few years, and that makes things easier. In any case, the new ones, despite being from abroad, have integrated very well and quickly. We are a family and that helps.
And what do you think?
They are top level. They are signings made to exceed the bar we set last season, which is our goal. But we all know that this second year in the First Division, once you go up, is often the most complicated.
At least this time, the coach, Míchel, does continue...
Yes, and it's lucky. His figure is very important. It squeezes you, but I am also clear that this is what makes us better every day.
It gives the feeling that they have a special relationship. Publicly he often praises her potential, but always asks for more...
We have a very high degree of trust, and I have always liked being challenged. I do very well, not to relax. He knows when he has to squeeze me.
Regarding the new signings, do you think they will be able to replace such important players as Taty Castellanos, Riquelme or Romeu?
Those who have left were key players, as evidenced by the fact that they are all at top-level European clubs. They will be missed for sure, both on and off the pitch, but the new ones are of a similar profile, and I think the club has done a good job of replacing them.
The only one who still has no substitute is Oriol Romeu. What does his departure to Barça imply?
It is a very important loss, the rudder in the center of the field. A player who was contagious. For me he has been an example, because of his work, because of how he takes care of himself... he will fit in perfectly at Barça and I think he is the best replacement they could have found for Busquets.
But it is curious because in all the pools to leave the club this summer, his name appeared first. Has he really been close to leaving?
No. During the season I was focused on football and I didn't want to know anything until now, at the end. And either because the proposals that have come have not satisfied the club or for whatever reason, I have never had the feeling of having to leave. I am very well at Girona and I don't have any need to leave here.
But there are teams like Barça that still have it on the agenda...
I am very young. I am only 20 years old and football takes many turns. I have not sought any way out, I am happy here. I only think about Girona and I am clear that the other teammates think the same. We trust that there will be no last-minute surprises and that if more reinforcements are needed, they will eventually arrive.
And after fulfilling the dream of playing with Girona in the First Division, as you stated on the day of your renewal until 2025, what is your next challenge?
The same as that of the team, which is to continue making history. The first objective has to be that of permanence, which would be historic because we have never chained three courses in First Division. And if possible, improve last year's ranking, without losing sight of the option of entering Europe.
