Barcelona president Joan Laporta has explained that adhering to the “financial fair play rules” was a major reason why the club surprisingly parted ways with Iñigo Martínez this summer.
Martínez was an instrumental figure in Hansi Flick’s defense last season, racking up close to 50 appearances in all competitions, as Barça claimed three domestic trophies. The veteran defender established a superb partnership with teenager Pau Cubarsí, with the pair forced to defend in a distinctly aggressive system that demanded so much from the center backs.
