Winger Eric Martel shared in an interview with EFE that he never lost “hope of returning” to what he considers his “home,” Barça. The club where he trained. After leaving in 2013 to make a name for himself in Spain’s futsal First Division, he reflected, “After so many years, you start to think you might have to let go of coming back and focus on other things. But while I’ve been fortunate to play for other great teams, I have to admit I always held on to the dream of returning to what I consider my home.”
The Catalan player, now one of Barça’s summer signings, went through all the club’s youth categories. Debuting with the first team in 2011 and winning seven titles : a Champions League, two Leagues, two Spanish Cups, and two Copa del Rey. Before embarking on a decade-long journey with Santa Coloma, Peñíscola, Osasuna Magna, Movistar Inter, and Viña Albali Valdepeñas.
Back Home
“To me, it’s a dream come true to return after all these years. I spent ten years here in my previous stint, and I’ve always considered it home. This is a huge step in my career, something I’ve worked hard for, and I’m giving it my all,” emphasized the Spanish international. Speaking to EFE from the indoor soccer pavilion at the Joan Gamper Sports City, Martel added that, now at 32, he’s returning “much more mature” than when he left at 21. He feels “ready to meet Barça’s demands.”
At the Palau Blaugrana, he’ll reunite with Tino Pérez, the coach who signed him for Inter Movistar in 2020, where they won three titles in three seasons together. A Spanish Cup, a Copa del Rey, and a Super Cup. “I have nothing but good things to say about Tino. He was the one who brought me to Inter and reignited that winning spark in me. I think we’ll have a lot of fun together. His style is very dynamic, upbeat, and direct. If we all buy into it, we’re going to have a lot of fun,” Martel commented.
Barça’s goals
Regarding Barça’s goals this season, Martel said, “The aim is to win everything,” but highlighted qualifying for the Champions League as “one of the key objectives.” “We’ll fight for it, but first, we need to at least reach the League final. We’ve got a long road ahead,” he noted.
As one of three first-team players who completed a full preseason, Martel described it as “atypical” due to the World Cup. But assured that they’ve “done their best to prepare” for the league opener this Sunday against ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida. Marking the start of “an exciting season.” “The league is very competitive. Teams have strengthened, and they play really well. Cartagena made waves last year, Palma remains strong in the Champions League, and Inter has signed well, but I think we have the best squad, and we’ll be one of the teams to beat,” he concluded.