Inigo Martinez’s Cristiano Ronaldo revelation: The seven-word welcome that stuck from their Al-Nassr introduction

After two seasons at Barcelona, Inigo Martinez has embarked on a surprising new chapter in Saudi Arabia with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.

After two seasons at Barcelona, Inigo Martinez has embarked on a surprising new chapter in Saudi Arabia with Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr. The 34-year-old centre-back, who was instrumental in the Blaugrana’s domestic treble triumph last season, has left the Catalan giants after activating a contractual clause allowing him to depart for free if a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League arrived.

The veteran defender’s time in Spain ended on a high note. Having joined Barca in 2023 as a free agent from Athletic Club, he endured a difficult start under Xavi Hernandez but flourished under Hansi Flick, forming a solid defensive partnership with rising star Pau Cubarsi. His performances earned him a contract extension earlier this year, but the lure of a financially rewarding move proved too strong to resist.

Martinez terminated his contract with Barcelona in early August, enabling him to join Al-Nassr without a transfer fee. While the Catalans lost an experienced player, they freed up a significant amount of salary space.

Warm welcome from Ronaldo

Last week, Al-Nassr confirmed Martinez’s signing on a deal running until 2026. The Spanish defender joins an ambitious squad that already boasts Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix, and is on the verge of adding Bayern winger Kingsley Coman for a fee of $35 million.

The former Barcelona man revealed that one of his first interactions at the club was with the Al-Nassr captain himself. The veteran Portuguese forward made an immediate impression on his new teammate. “There’s a good feeling; he was waiting for me when I arrived in Portugal [for pre-season training], and we were able to talk,” Martinez told O Jogo. “He’s cheerful, and I sense a good atmosphere within the group.”

Midway through their chat, Ronaldo left an impact that Martinez won’t forget — offering a seven-word remark that took the Spaniard by surprise: “I was surprised by his positive energy.” For a player who had spent his entire career in Europe, the Spaniard admitted he had heard good things about Ronaldo beforehand, but witnessing his charisma and leadership up close was a new experience.