Iñigo: “Athletic is one of a kind, it’s history and family”

It is Iñigo Martínez’s turn today. The midfielder from Ondarroa has answered the questions that both supporters and the media have sent him via the different official social networks of the Club.

When he was asked about his daily life during the lockdown, Iñigo replied that “we have something to do every day: treadmill, bike, strengthening exercises… Apart from that, I mainly take advantage of it to spend time with my family, since it’s something a footballing career does not normally allow you to enjoy with the same intensity.”

Many people were interested to know what his impression of the red-and-white Club was after his signing in 2018 and the midfielder from Ondarroa summarized it with the words: “Athletic is one of a kind, it’s history and family. Above all, I’d like to highlight how well supporters treat their players here, I felt their warmth from the first minute. I had never had a doubt about it, but my debut at San Mamés as a lion was a wonderful experience. Every time I take the field at La Catedral, with our fans cheering for us, that’s something I really enjoy.”

That is why Iñigo cannot imagine playing a Copa final without their supporters: “It simply can’t be. Playing without spectators is not exciting, we’d feel like we were playing a friendly. Our fans give us plenty of support and we hope everything changes so that we can play having them near us.” In fact, the defender confessed that their path to the final has been his best experience as part of the red-and-white side so far: “All of the matches have been exciting and tough at the same time. Being in the penalty shoot-outs, within an inch of being knocked out… But, the matches against Barça at San Mamés and with Granada on the road… those were the best. What an ambience! Those were memorable games.”

Several supporters asked him about the most difficult opponents he has ever faced as a footballer: “Messi, without a doubt, but also Neymar during his first years in Barça. On the other hand, I would have liked to mark Ronaldo.” As for his idols, Iñigo said: “I have never had an idol. Since I was a child, I’ve liked playing football, marking, competing… In short, doing sport. Although I did look up to midfielders such as Hierro and Puyol, both good examples in their teams.”

Finally, the red-and-white defender reminded everyone that “staying at home is the best we can do to help. In our case, as top-level footballers, we have plenty of supporters and it’s now our responsibility to set an example, to raise awareness among our people. And, of course, we are trying to collaborate in as many solidarity initiatives as we can to help fight the current situation.”