Inigo Martinez talks Xavi, injury, registration, UCL ambitions at Barcelona presentation | OneFootball

It has been a little over a week since Barcelona officially announced the signing of Inigo Martinez. The 32-year-old arrived on a free transfer after his contract with Athletic Club expired on June 30 and has signed a two-year deal until 2025 with the Catalans.

And today, the La Liga champions presented the veteran defender as he and club president Joan Laporta signed the contracts in public at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

Following that, the defender spoke to the media (h/t SPORT), opening up on his feelings about joining Barcelona and several other topics.

“It is a pride and a pleasure to come to this great team, to the best team in the world. You have placed a lot of trust in me and I hope to repay it with enthusiasm and excitement,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get out on the pitch and live this beautiful and demanding experience. I have no doubt that everything is going to be great and it will be a great year. Visca el Barça.”

Speaking at the press conference after his presentation, Martinez added: “I’ve been treated very well from the very first moment. I’ve seen that my colleagues are wonderful people. People who want to help. I’m happy to be part of this big family.

Martinez joined the Barcelona squad that has begun pre-season training earlier this week. And opening up on his first days at the club, he said:

“I’m settling in. Meeting new people, getting to know everything a bit better. From minute one the treatment has been exceptional. I couldn’t have been treated better. I’m looking forward to jumping in and doing things with the team.”

However, the 32-year-old has not trained with the rest of the group yet as he is still recovering from an injury he sustained last season. But the Spaniard provided a positive update on