Arnau Martinez, a defender for Girona and a former La Masia prospect, stated in an exclusive interview with TV3 that he wants to go back to Barcelona and play for the first team.
Before departing for L’Hospitalet in 2016, Martinez spent a significant amount of time in Barcelona’s youth ranks. He signed with Girona two years later, where he quickly advanced to the senior team setup and was instrumental in helping the club get back into the top division.
The 19-year-old has made a big impression in his first La Liga season, contributing two goals and an assist from 11 league games.
Martinez’s standout performances have caught Barcelona’s attention, who are looking for a new right-back in January.
The Spaniard has now acknowledged that he would welcome the chance to return to Barça as long as he got the chance to play for the first team as his links to his former team have intensified.
“The first team will receive my return if I do. Naturally, I’d like to go back to Barça, but any of the major clubs—the best in the world—would be great, said Martinez.
The 19-year-old also discussed the current team’s manager, Xavi Hernandez, expressing his admiration for both his playing and managerial abilities.
“I enjoyed him both as a player and as a coach. He continued, “He is doing very well.
Alejandro Balde, a current first-team star under Xavi, and Martinez were teammates when Balde was a member of the club’s youth ranks. The Girona star was pleased with the left-development back’s and said:
“I’m thrilled for him and all of his hard work. I’m glad he’s starting, as he is, and playing on the right side when he usually plays left back.
Martinez was compared to Javier Mascherano, a club legend, while he was a player at La Masia. The youngster provided an explanation, saying:
I was frequently compared to him because, while playing for Barcelona, I was a leader and a versatile player, similar to Mascherano.
Martinez’s Girona contract has a €20 million release clause and is valid until 2025. The player is eager to return, and Xavi is reportedly considering a move for him. Whether that move happens is still up in the air.
