Goalkeeper Josep Martinez says that he’ll “never forget signing for Inter Milan.”
The Spaniard was emotional in the matchday programme for today’s Serie A clash with Monza. He called his move to the Nerazzurri the “greatest opportunity of my life.”
Goalkeeper Josep Martinez joined Inter Milan last summer. He made the switch from Genoa.
Inter signed Martinez in the hopes that the former Las Palmas and RB Leipzig keeper could be the long-term heir to Yann Sommer between the posts.
So far this season, Sommer has largely held down the starting role. Until a couple weeks ago, Martinez had only gotten the nod in the Coppa Italia against Udinese.
However, an injury to Sommer has handed Martinez a big opportunity.
The former Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach keeper underwent thumb surgery last month.
Therefore, Martinez has started Inter’s last four matches in all competitions.
And the 26-year-old has put in an impressive string of performances. He has kept clean sheets in three out of the four matches he’s started, including a crunch Champions League clash with Feyenoord.
Meanwhile, Martinez has shown that beyond his shotstopping prowess, he has the mentality to handle the pressure. He was up to the task in a top-of-the-table Serie A showdown with Napoli.
Josep Martinez: “I’ll Never Forget Signing For Inter Milan”
Goalkeeper Josep Martinez reflected that “Football has taught me to put what I know into practice, without every being afraid.”
“I immediately felt that football could be a way to grow,” he continued. “To cultivate values like the spirit of sacrifice, resilience, the drive to constantly grow.”
“These are the characteristics I’ve maintained throughout my life. They’ve allowed me to become the player and the man I am today.”
“Additionally,” Martinez added, “there’s always a thought for my teammates.”
“Giving everything for the good of the team.”
Martinez said that “Football has always been my sport.”
The Spanish international noted that “I play it, and I’ve always followed it, including on TV.”
“My dream would be to win trophies with Spain and with Inter,” said Martinez. “I started playing to experience those moments.”
Of the top player he’s come up against in his career, Martinez named “A current teammate, Lautaro Martinez definitely.”
“He’s a top player,” the Spaniard said of the Nerazzurri captain.
And of a player from Inter’s he’d have liked to face, Martinez named “Eto’o, a top player and very versatile.”
And the former Genoa keeper called signing for Inter last summer “a beautiful moment.”
“I’ll never forget it,” added the 26-year-old. “It was the greatest opportunity of my life.”
he’s had some great games recently. his footwork has improved greatly. great to know when Sommer goes we have a quality keeper already on the books.