Spanish defender Inigo Martinez has admitted that taking over the No.6 jersey for his country from former international Andres Iniesta carries a lot of weight.
Iniesta retired from international duty with Spain following the country’s disappointing World Cup campaign this summer in Russia, where they were knocked out in the second round by the hosts on penalties.
However, the former Barcelona star – who made the move to Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe this summer – was part of Spain’s greatest generation which saw them dominate international football for over half a decade.
They won the European Championships in consecutive competitions in 2008 and 2012 but also squeezed in a World Cup triumph in 2010, with Iniesta locking his name into Spanish folklore by scoring the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands.
Now, it is up to Martinez to try and get his performances and this new Spanish team performing to those high standards. The Athletic Bilbao player has admitted that the thought of owning the famous No.6 shirt is a daunting thought.
“It does,” Martinez told Goal when asked if the No.6 carries a lot of weight.
“For sure. Whether you want it or not, [Iniesta] has been here for many years. He has showed a level and has achieved things that few have achieved.
“I had the option to take the No.6 or other numbers, but I liked the six. I knew it weighed a lot, because Andres will always be in our memory. But I take it with desire.”
The post Iniesta’s ‘heavy’ No.6 shirt adopted by Inigo Martinez appeared first on Squawka News.
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