Javi Martinez is one of the most decorated players in Spanish football over the past decade or so.
During his time at Bayern Munich, the former Spanish international won multiple Bundesliga titles and two trebles, among many other accolades.
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However, his career trajectory could have panned out differently, as he was courted by Barcelona during his time at Athletic Club.
Javi Martinez confirms Barcelona interest
In a recent interview with Diario SPORT, Martinez discussed multiple topics, including his early-stage career, where he was courted by Barcelona, among other clubs.
“There were contacts with Barça. Of course, but I also told my agents not to get too excited. I was very clear that Athletic were not going to let me leave if a club did not come and pay the €40 million of the termination clause,” he said.
He went on to imply that Barcelona were not willing to meet his release clause, which is why Athletic Club did not even consider their proposal.
Javi Martinez doesn’t regret joining Bayern Munich. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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“So if Barça or Madrid put €30 million on me, they weren’t going to let me leave. I listened and they told me that they were 30. We waited until the end of the market,” he said.
Martinez added that Bayern Munich ended up showing interest and were willing to pay €40 million to acquire his services.
“Bayern were very clear that they wanted me, especially Heynckes. In the end, they paid the €40 million release clause and that’s why I went to Germany. Not everyone understood my departure in Bilbao, but it was an incredible opportunity,” he added.
“They told me to hold on for another year and leave with a title, but it was time to leave. I could have been injured and the following season, not even the team of your town loves you. Leaving Bilbao was difficult, but I got it right,” he concluded.
A move to Bayern Munich did pay off for Martinez, who ended up making 268 competitive appearances for the Bavarians, winning nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions League titles in the process.
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