Martínez: "Proud to play for Italy's best club"

Josep Martínez is officially a new Inter player. Joining from Genoa, here is the 1998-born Spanish goalkeeper's first interview, exclusively made to Inter TV

Hi Josep, welcome! Can you tell us how you're feeling? "I'm very excited; I'm proud to be here at a club like Inter. I can't wait to get started."

Where did your passion for the role of goalkeeper start from? Have you played in that position? "I started playing when I was five with my dad, who was a goalkeeper, even though he wasn't a professional player. I started playing in my hometown team and then at around the age of 16 I moved to Barcelona. The start of it all was through my dad."

In Nerazzurri history, there have always been goalkeepers of the highest level. How determined are you to follow in their footsteps? "I am convinced that I am ready to make the big step up in quality. I am now at Italy's best club and my mentality is to give my best and try to make Inter's history even greater."

Your role has changed a lot in recent years: you came through the Barcelona system, which is one of the most important schools for goalkeepers. How would you describe yourself from a playing point of view? "I was lucky to have the opportunity to develop at one of the best schools for goalkeepers: I've been in Spain, Germany, and now I'm in Italy. I think this has helped me to grow a lot in this role,; all of these experiences have helped me to mature in a more complete way. I've played for Barcelona, ​​Las Palmas, Leipzig and Genoa: I was lucky enough to play in teams that always allowed me to be involved on the ball. These factors have helped me form my personality and my character. I define myself as a courageous goalkeeper."

You played in Serie A last season, how do you feel in this league? What responsibility do you feel playing for the Champions of Italy? "I'm very happy here; Italy, as a country, is very similar to Spain. I realise where I am; it's a very competitive league. If we wanrt to win the Scudetto again, which is the number one objective, we will have to maintain the levels shown last year".

Do you have a message for Inter fans? "Hello, Inter fans, I'm very happy to be here, I can't wait to wear this shirt. Greetings to you all."