Íñigo Martínez's Emotional Farewell to Barcelona: "Defending This Crest Was an Honor"

August 9, 2025 – Following his official departure from FC Barcelona, veteran defender Íñigo Martínez penned a heartfelt goodbye message on social media, expressing deep gratitude to the club and its supporters.

Full Statement:
"Thank you, Barça.
Today, I bid farewell to a club that has profoundly impacted my life. Defending this crest was an honor—a responsibility I carried with pride every single day.
From the first moment to the last, living this dream and wearing these colors has been a privilege.
To the coaches who trusted me, the unsung heroes among the staff, and my teammates who became family: thank you.
To the fans, for your unconditional support. To the city of Barcelona, which embraced me and my loved ones as home.
I hope I’ve lived up to expectations, both on and off the pitch. I leave with a heart full of gratitude, knowing Barça will forever be part of my story.
Visca el Barça i visca Catalunya!
(Long live Barça and long live Catalonia!)"

Background:
The 34-year-old Spaniard, who joined Barcelona in 2023 as a backup, exceeded expectations by becoming a defensive pillar last season. His move to Al-Nassr marks the next chapter in his career, though his emotional farewell underscores his deep connection to the Blaugrana legacy.