“The time has come to focus on a new sporting challenge”
MADRID, 6 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish defender Iñigo Martínez has decided not to renew his contract with Athletic Club and is leaving the club in search of “a new sporting challenge” after six seasons wearing the rojiblanca shirt, the Bilbao entity reported on Tuesday.
“Athletic Club and Iñigo Martínez end their contractual relationship on June 30. The footballer has decided to embark on a new professional path after six seasons as a lion and 177 games, 18 of them in this last season”, announced Athletic Club.
As explained by the club, the Ondarroa center-back has rejected the offers that have been made to him to renew. “After different negotiation attempts in the last two seasons, Iñigo Martínez has maintained his rejection of the club’s offer to extend his contract,” he said.
“Athletic Club wishes Iñigo Martínez all the luck in his future professional career, while deeply appreciating his delivery and dedication shown in defending the entity’s interests over all these years,” he continued.
Minutes later it was the player himself who confirmed the decision and said goodbye to the fans on social networks. “I wanted to tell you that this will be my last season defending the Athletic Club shirt. I think the time has come to focus on a new sporting challenge, and I feel that way”, he indicated.
“Since my arrival you have made me feel like one of yours, like another ‘lion’. You know that I have always left absolutely everything I have on the field for this shield, for my teammates and for you, always. It is not easy leave my land, my roots and those of my family. Bizkaia is and will always be our home”, he continued.
“I don’t want to leave without thanking all the employees of the club, the people who every day make it possible for us to work in the best conditions; the coaching staff; my teammates and friends; and of course you, the fans. Keep supporting, pressing and making San Mamés ‘The Cathedral’ of football. It has been a pleasure to defend this shield, see you soon”, he concluded.
The Biscayan center-back arrived in Bilbao from Real Sociedad in January 2018. In total, he has played 177 games with the rojiblanca team and has scored eight goals, and his record includes the Spanish Super Cup won against FC Barcelona, a possible future destination, in 2021.