Last night it was a topic of debate on El Chiringuito. Juanfe Sanz said that the Federation doesn't believe Íñigo Martínez's injury that has forced him to withdraw from the national team.
On the show, more than one collaborator took it for granted that Íñigo Martínez had withdrawn from the national team. They didn't say it, but there was a political undertone in the air.
This was the case because it's not the first time Íñigo Martínez has withdrawn from the national team by his own decision after being drafted.
"The Federation Has Doubts About Íñigo Martínez"
"I'm telling you that the Federation had doubts about whether Íñigo Martínez wanted to come to the national team or not. It's not Luis De la Fuente," said Juanfe Sanz.
"The Same Doubts I Have", corroborated journalist Iñaki Cano. Carrasco argued that what those who aren't the coach think, "doesn't matter to me." Pedrerol stated his position: "everything matters to me".
"There are people who, I'm not saying they doubt Íñigo Martínez's physical condition, but the precedents lead to thinking that Íñigo Martínez doesn't make an effort to be there."
There Weren't So Many Doubts With Brahim
They Didn't Say the Same About Brahim, when he renounced his Spanish football nationality because the coach didn't guarantee him a starting spot in La Roja. Exactly the same as Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Then El Chiringuito made a scandal because Spain couldn't lose a "phenomenon" like Brahim. But if the player, Spanish, didn't want to play with Spain, there was little that could be done.
Some panelists wanted to imply that what Íñigo Martínez would like is to play with the Basque Country national team. But, unlike Brahim with Morocco, that's not possible.
It's the Same Old Story With Íñigo Martínez
It's the Same Old Story With Íñigo Martínez, hence the doubts he generates in Madrid. It's not the first time he would have renounced the Spanish national team, but not for the reasons they think they know in the capital.
"I Had to Be Honest With Myself and My Teammates", he said then. "There comes a time when you even notice, while training, that you're not entirely happy. Because of my nature, I'm the first to arrive, I like to joke around and have a good time...
There comes a point, when there are three or four league matches left, that I felt I wasn't 100% focused on my work. I had to play those last matches and the decision was difficult to make, but I think I needed it."
On May 24, 2021, Íñigo Martínez issued this statement announcing his withdrawal from playing in the Euro Cup with Spain:
Full Statement by Íñigo Martínez
"These lines are very hard to write. The truth is that for some time now I've not been 100% physically or mentally to compete at the highest level of demand required by Athletic and the National Team.
After deeply considering it with my surroundings, I've come to the conclusion that out of honesty with these jerseys and myself, I must stop. Take a step aside to disconnect, recharge my batteries, and quickly regain the strength that has always joined me.
A few days ago, I already conveyed this difficult decision to my club and the national team. I've been fighting all season to the maximum for my club and for the goal of participating in the Euro Cup.
I've left everything on the field for it. But I believe that sincerity is the best for the National Team in this difficult challenge ahead.
From home, I'll support it as one more. Next season, I'll work to the maximum to give the coach reasons to count on me again in future major events.