Athletic disappointed in Martinez

Athletic Bilbao have confirmed Javi Martinez’ transfer to Bayern Munich and expressed their ‘disappointment’ in the player.

The midfielder deposited the €40m fee required to break his Athletic contract at the Spanish League’s offices today, before Bayern announced his transfer had gone through.

Athletic have now also confirmed the news, whilst President Jose Urrutia will give a Press conference on Monday.

“Athletic Club can confirm that Javi Martinez has fulfilled the requirements of the applicable rules for valid unilateral termination of the employment contract that bound him to Athletic Club, delivering the amount of compensation specified in the contract through a cheque deposited for Bayern Munich, on behalf of the player,” read the posting.

“Athletic Club wishes to express its disappointment in the decision by Martinez, by not considering that our sporting project was attractive enough, because this club understands that it is inherent, essential, for the project at Athletic to be the highest aspiration of every one of its players.”