Iñigo Martínez will not continue at Athletic. Both the Bilbao team and the defender have confirmed it through social networks in the last few hours. The entity through a statement on its website in which it announces the farewell to the Ondarroa central defender after the end of his contract on June 30. The player has traveled to Barcelona while he waits for his transfer to Barça to be finalized. From today he is staying at the Reina Sofía hotel.
According to that text, Iñigo has rejected the renewal offer on several occasions. "After different negotiation attempts in the last two seasons, Iñigo Martínez has maintained his rejection of the Club's offer to extend his contract," the club explains.
The player has done it through a video in which he says goodbye to the Basque fans. “This will be my last season defending the Athletic shirt. I think the time has come to focus on a new sporting challenge and I feel that way. Since my arrival you have made me feel one of yours. Like another lion. You know that I have always left everything I have on the field for this shield, for my teammates and for you. Always, ”he explains.
And he goes on to ensure that “it is not easy to leave my land, my roots and those of my family. Bizkaia is and will be our home. Keep pushing, supporting and making San Mamés the football cathedral. It has been a great pleasure defending this shield. See you soon, ”he says goodbye.
The ondarrutarra arrived in January 2018 to replace Aymeric Laporte. The latter went to Manchester City for the 65 million of his termination clause, money that Athletic used to replace him. It was on January 30, 2018 when they paid the 32 million clause for him and the footballer was presented in Bilbao amid a great media uproar. There began a path that has lasted six seasons, with 177 games, and in which he has won a Super Cup, in addition to two Cup finals played.
Now the player goes free and Barça seems to be his most likely destination, although it has not been officially confirmed. In the next days the incorporation of him to the Barcelona club could become official.
