Athletic Bilbao centre-back Inigo Martinez has said that he is "very happy" and "very comfortable" at San Mames amid the recent speculation surrounding his future.
The 31-year-old has made 168 appearances for Athletic since arriving from Real Sociedad in January 2018, contributing seven goals and seven assists in the process.
Martinez has again been a key player for the Lions during the 2021-22 campaign, making nine appearances in La Liga, but he was an unused substitute against Real Valladolid in the league on Tuesday.
The Spain international only has a contract with Ernesto Valverde's side until the end of the season, and there has recently been a host of talk surrounding his future.
Barcelona are believed to have identified Martinez as the ideal replacement for Gerard Pique, who has now retired from professional football.
© Reuters
There have been suggestions that Barcelona boss Xavi is keen for Martinez to move to Camp Nou in January, but any deal in the middle of the season would have to involve a transfer fee.
The centre-back has said that he is 'tired' by the speculation surrounding his future, and he is only currently focusing on ending the season on a positive note.
"The subject is a bit tiring, but these are things that happen. I am happy here and I feel very comfortable. My future is still not clear at all," Martinez told Onda Vasca.
"It is neither the time nor the place to talk about these issues of my renewal. I do not lose focus and I'm always giving my best for Athletic.
"I have a contract until the end of the season, I will fight and that is what God wants. I am very happy here, I come every day with a smile and I enjoy Bilbao. I feel loved."
© Reuters
Martinez, who is widely expected to be named in the Spain squad for the World Cup, started his professional career at Real Sociedad, representing their first team on 239 occasions before leaving for Athletic.
A recent report claimed that Barcelona have been speaking with the defender for 'several months' over a move to Camp Nou in 2023.
The Catalan outfit boosted their centre-back options over the summer by bringing in Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde, but both have had their injury problems this term.
Ronald Araujo has also been unavailable since September due to a thigh injury, and the team's fitness issues in the middle of their defence has seen Marcos Alonso used in that area of the field in 2022-23.
Matt Law
