The imminent departure of Inigo Martinez now seems to be a guarantee. After all, even a fellow Barcelona teammate of his has now posted a story paying tribute to him. For many at the club, the veteran defender was like an unofficial captain and leader on the pitch.
That is why, on his recent Instagram story (via Barca Times), Spanish star Lamine Yamal paid tribute to the departing defender with a heartwarming message that even mentions Martinez as a ‘captain’:
“Thanks for everything my captain.”
Great admiration for Martinez at Barcelona
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 12: Inigo Martinez of FC Barcelona celebrates with the Supercopa de Espana winners' trophy during the trophy presentation after the Spanish Super Cup Final between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at King Abdullah Sports City on January 12, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
A great sign of respect and admiration, it just goes to show how Yamal and possibly other youngsters at Barça felt about the veteran defender. Pau Cubarsi, in particular, spent a lot of time defending Barça’s goal alongside Inigo Martinez due to them being Hansi Flick’s most trusted centre-back partnership.
Unfortunately, that partnership has now come to an end. Instead, Martinez is set to start a new journey over in Saudi Arabia, whereas Cubarsi will now likely have a new regular centre-back partner at the Catalan club and it is up to Hansi Flick to decide who it is.
Recent reports have provided various reasons as to why Martinez has decided to leave, but his absence will be felt nonetheless. Despite not officially wearing the captain’s armband, the 34-year-old defender is someone that defended the club’s colours with his entire body and soul.