If there's one thing Íñigo Martínez's departure is showing, it's that he was one of the most loved and respected players in the FC Barcelona dressing room. The player is experiencing intense hours before signing a contract with Al-Nassr this summer market.
The Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper was the main stage for the 34-year-old defender's official farewell, where the player had the opportunity to meet with the club's president, Joan Laporta, in a gesture that symbolized the closing of his time at the club, according to recent reports.
Also, beyond the event at the Catalan club's facilities, the defender also starred in a closer and more emotional farewell with several teammates. The meeting took place at the La Bonaigua restaurant, located in Sant Just Desvern.
The 'bicing clan', Íñigo's last accomplices before leaving Barça
In this context, several of the players who were at that intimate farewell of Íñigo Martínez were the ones who went out to celebrate by bicycle through the streets of Barcelona after obtaining the title of LaLiga 2024/25, who also showed up at the hospital in Barcelona to visit Ferran Torres, who at that time was recovering after the appendicitis surgery he had suffered.
Thus, among those attending this more personal meeting were Pedri González, Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Oriol Romeu, who wanted to support the center-back in his last hours as a Barça player. It should be noted that the clan was made up of Íñigo, the '8', the '24' and the '20' of the azulgrana team.
Likewise, the player, before leaving for the Middle East, expressed his happiness for the farewell that his teammates gave him, in addition to remembering the fans after spending two seasons at the blaugrana institution.
''Nice farewell with my teammates. Also thank the fans for these 2 years that have been wonderful'', said Íñigo Martínez.
Al Nassr, a millionaire destination for Íñigo Martínez
The central defender will now share a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Félix. In addition, at Al Nassr the player will receive one of the highest salaries in the Saudi Pro League.
It is worth remembering that, according to the Saudi media Arriyadiyah, Íñigo Martínez will receive close to 10 million euros net per season in his new destination. This figure places him in ninth position among the highest paid players in the team known as the 'Knights of Najd'.
In principle, it is expected that the Basque will arrive at the Arab team with guaranteed prominence, considering that Aymeric Laporte could leave the team in the coming days. Likewise, Íñigo arrives after signing a dream season with Barça. The official announcement of his departure is expected to be made in the next few hours.