Íñigo Martínez, “out of honesty”, resigns from the Eurocup

Íñigo Martínez, Athletic center-back, pointed to Luis Enrique's list of 24, but the situation changed this Monday when his name did not appear in the defense section of the group that will compete in the European Championship. The Basque counted for the coach, but the defender decided to give up this great tournament “out of honesty.”

As explained by the defender in a statement published through his profile on social networks, he decided to renounce the call for being honest with his club and with the National Team since he did not see himself with the ideal physical and mental point to attend the tournament that was held. It will be held during the next months of June and July throughout the European continent. A decision that, personally, he himself assured was tremendously difficult.

This season, Íñigo Martínez has been a fixture in Athletic. The one from Ondarroa has accumulated 2,995 minutes spread over 33 games in a season in which they barely had rest and preparation compared to the previous one. Iñigo considers that a terrible and especially hard season has passed, needing this 'reset' after a campaign without barely a respite and that it ended with the blow of the two Cup finals in which they fell with Athletic against Real Sociedad and Barcelona.

Full statement of Íñigo Martínez

These lines are very hard to write. The truth is that for some time I have not been 100% physically or mentally to compete at the level of maximum demand required by Athletic and National Team jerseys.

After meditating deeply with my surroundings, I have come to the conclusion that out of honesty with these shirts and with myself, I must stop. Take a step to the side to disconnect, recharge the batteries and quickly recover the strength that has always accompanied me.

A few days ago I already transferred this difficult decision to my club and the national team, since I have been fighting all season to the fullest for my club and for the goal of participating in the European Championship. I have left everything on the pitch for it, but I believe that sincerity is the best for the National Team in this difficult challenge that lies ahead.

From home I will support her as one more and next season I will work to the maximum, as I have always done, to give reasons to the coach to count on me again in future big events.