The defender told ‘El Partidazo de COPE’ that his support for Basque and Catalan independence should not preclude his selection for the Spain national team.
Inigo Martinez recently gave an interview to ‘El Partidazo de COPE’, where he addressed his political views and his past call-ups for Spain. He also touched upon his potential move to Al-Nassr, stating it ‘created a defensive problem’ for Barcelona, and admitted he ‘didn’t even dare to discuss it with Hansi Flick’.
The centre-back openly identifies with pro-independence sentiment in both Catalonia, where he has resided for several years, and the Basque Country, his birthplace. This stance has often been met with opposition from a segment of fans who objected to him representing ‘La Roja’. However, Martínez maintains that the two issues are distinct.
“The fact that I support a people, where the majority feel they should be free to express their opinion and manage their territory as they wish… that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t go to the national team just because I’m in favour of independence or support it,” he stated.
He firmly believes that any connection between his political views and his national team selection stems solely from his origins: “One thing has nothing to do with the other. It’s not like that. If people connect these things, it’s because I’m Basque.” He continued: “If I hadn’t wanted to go, I would have been the first to say: ‘Forget it. I don’t fancy it, I don’t want to, I don’t feel it… And I’m better off at home’. I would have done that from the first minute with the Under-20s, and I wouldn’t have been wasting my time there. All the fuss and what has been generated are hoaxes,” he clarified.
“It would be bad to be on the list”
Martinez even suggested he is ‘surplus to requirements’ for the current Spain squad: “It would be bad at this stage to be back on the list; it wouldn’t be good for a 35-year-old player to be there.” He did, however, clarify that he “would be the first to come” if Luis de la Fuente were to call upon him: “I have no problem, obviously. Who wouldn’t want to play in a World Cup or a European Championship?”
Finally, Martinez was asked about his World Cup preferences. When questioned about which country he wants to lift the trophy, he affirmed: “Right now, Spain, of course.” He added: “It makes no sense; that’s what I’m getting at. Many people link politics and football. If you ask me, obviously, I’m going to say Spain. I have many friends, I’ve been there, I’ve competed for Spain…”