The Spanish football world was keenly watching when veteran defender Iñigo Martinez completed a move from La Liga giants Barcelona to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr last summer. While the transfer itself was driven by a combination of Barcelona's necessary wage bill adjustments and an undeniable financial opportunity for the player, it is the personal revelations emerging from the Middle East that have captured attention. Martinez has recently shared a surprisingly intimate account of his new life and, more specifically, his first impressions of his globally recognized teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, stating unequivocally that the Portuguese superstar’s personality is vastly different from the image often projected in public and by the media.
Martinez, whose commitment to the Catalan club was cut short by the necessity of the club's financial restructuring, took a momentous step in his career by agreeing to the deal with the Riyadh-based team. In a recent interview conducted shortly after his settling-in period, the Spanish international recounted the initial, highly-anticipated moment he first encountered Ronaldo face-to-face, a figure he had only previously known as a fierce rival on the pitch during his years in La Liga.
"That's what genuinely surprised me," Martinez admitted. "It’s a powerful lesson that usually, appearances can be deceiving, particularly in the high-stakes world of elite football. I had built up an idea of him, largely based on the intense media coverage and his incredibly competitive demeanor on the field. The reality of Cristiano Ronaldo is quite different. He is, first and foremost, an approachable person, profoundly dedicated to his craft, intensely competitive, yes, but fundamentally, he lives his life for football, which is absolutely his core passion."
This candid statement offers a much-needed, human perspective on the legendary Portuguese forward, whose public persona—often defined by goal celebrations and intense scrutiny—sometimes leads to him being unjustly perceived as distant, aloof, or arrogant by rivals and general observers. Martinez's account suggests a warm, professional environment behind the scenes at Al-Nassr, fostered by the club’s biggest star.
The Financial Dynamics of the Move
The move itself marks a significant financial chapter for the player. Regarding Martinez's terms, he is reportedly securing a substantial post-tax salary of up to 10 million euros per year, representing almost double the remuneration he received during his tenure at Camp Nou. The contract terms also include a somewhat rare and notably flexible clause, allowing him the right to unilaterally decline any contract extension, even if all performance targets and collective team achievements are met. This arrangement, allowing the player significant control over the length of his commitment, highlights the considerable negotiating power now wielded by sought-after players within the burgeoning Saudi Pro League.
The initial negotiation phase between Martinez and Al-Nassr was characterized by tension, primarily because the defender initially requested a minimum guaranteed two-year contract. However, both parties ultimately agreed to the current flexible structure, which serves the interests of both the club and the player by ensuring long-term flexibility.
The departure was also a crucial piece of the strategic puzzle for his former club, Barcelona. While the club did not secure a substantial transfer fee for the move, they stand to receive a small performance-related bonus later. More significantly, Martinez's exit provided instant and critical financial relief, freeing up approximately 14 million euros in the club’s restrictive wage bill. This fiscal maneuvering was a key component in enabling the Catalan giants to successfully register new signings and existing contract renewals before the mandatory registration deadline for the upcoming 2025/26 La Liga season.
After navigating the final bureaucratic and contractual liquidation procedures with Barcelona, Iñigo Martinez has officially embarked on his journey to Saudi Arabia. This transfer marks a "golden" contract and a new cultural and professional experience alongside one of the greatest football players of all time, representing a fascinating final chapter in a distinguished career.
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