Inigo Martinez has declared that he is happy at Real Sociedad and has no plans to join rivals Athletic Bilbao.
The Basque centre-back has been the subject of much speculation linking him with a move away from Anoeta, with Basque rivals Athletic linked as a result of the imminent departure of Javi Martinez.
But Real Sociedad defender Martinez, who last year attracted worldwide attention after scoring two goals from the half-way line, has insisted he has no plans to leave the club any time soon.
“I know there have been rumours and there will continue to be whatever I say, but I have a contract until 2015 I’m very comfortable and very happy here,” the left-sided defender asserted in today’s Press conference.
Martinez has a €30m buy-out clause and the player said he doubted that any club would pay that amount of money for a centre-back, emphasising that it would be difficult for any club to convince him to leave.
“I’ve been at the club since I was a boy, I’ve grown as a footballer here and I hope I’ll be able to continue doing so.
“The fact that the fans are worried about me leaving shows they are very happy with me and that they want me to stay. This makes me very happy and it gives me more strength.”
La Real midfielder Ruben Pardo also took time today to deny rumours linking him with a switch between the clubs too.
