New signee Iñigo Martínez shared a clear statement of intent in his presentation as an FC Barcelona player.
"I've come to work as hard as anyone and to win as many titles as possible," said the Basque centre-back, who claims to be proud and very happy to be joining "the best team in the world".
"I am very happy to be part of this great family. Those who know me know what I can contribute, I would perhaps highlight my competitive nature. I'm here to work, to work as hard as anyone, and to win as many titles as possible. This great club deserves it", he said.
The player from Ondarroa says that he has always shown "ambition, the desire to compete and always win" and explained that "when Barça call you, the other teams take a back seat".
"I had no doubts about waiting a year to be able to take the step", added Iñigo, who remained calm about his registration and optimistic about his physical condition:
"Fascia is a complicated injury. It's a discomfort that lasts for a while, I've had problems for a year now, but I'm much better after the small operation this summer. I feel a big improvement and I'm working with the trainers. I'm taking small steps, I've been told not to rush it. The sensations are good and I hope to start training with the team soon".
The former Athletic Club player also spoke about how wonderful the people at the club have been with him.
"The teammates and all the people who work in this great club are helping me a lot". "I have been settling in these days, I met a lot of new people. But from minute one the treatment has been exceptional. It couldn't be any better. I'm looking forward to playing with the team", reflected Iñigo, who has already had a chat with Xavi Hernández, his new coach.
"He has given me peace of mind and confidence. He wanted me here and I'm very grateful to him".
With an astonishing personality, alone in front of the danger of the media, Iñigo Martínez has recognised that he is excited to play in the Champions League and to experience everything that is involved in the top continental competition, because "there is nothing better than this for a player".
For him, age is just a number.
"There are players older than me who perform very well. Many have been playing longer than me. I respect all opinions, but I'm here to enjoy myself and to show that I'm ready. I want people to see me", he justified.
Asked about Barça's biggest rivals, Real Madrid, the defender shared the opinion of president Joan Laporta, who believes that the Barça squad is better than that of Real Madrid.
"I agree with him. Last season, Barça were better than Madrid, so why shouldn't it be like that this year? We can do it again, I have no doubt. We have a great team with young players. We will give one hundred per cent to try to be better than our opponents", he said.
After signing his new contract until 2025, Iñigo will no longer have to be on the receiving end of Barça's play style.
"Every time I came to Camp Nou I suffered a lot. You looked at the scoreboard and the minutes didn't go by. I've always ended up with my tongue hanging out because the style of the club takes you to their ground. Every player in the team performs at a very high level", he concluded.