Inigo Martinez never spoke to Barca

Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez admits he has no idea why his move to Barcelona broke down, as he never spoke to the club.

Various reports suggested the Blaugrana were on the verge of triggering the central defender’s €32m release clause at the Anoeta this summer, before pulling the plug on the deal.

“It didn’t reach the stage where I talked to them (Barca),” Martinez told Noticias de Guipuzcoa.

“All I heard was noise and it never went further than that, so of course I don’t feel annoyed, in fact it’s quite the opposite.

“La Real is a club where I feel valued and totally comfortable, so I can give them my full focus and continue helping the club progress.

“Why did the move not go through? I don’t know, I was not told anything then and I am not going to try and find out now.

“I’m now calm, relaxed and focused so we’ll try to have another successful campaign.”

The 26-year-old defender has amassed 193 La Liga appearances for the Basques since his debut in 2011 and his current deal at the club runs until June 2021.

Part of Spain’s Under-21 European Championship winning side in 2013, Martinez has gone on to be capped four times at senior level for La Roja.

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