This article was originally published on www.si.com as Barcelona President Explains Club’s Surprising Inigo Martinez Sale. 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.

From a purely footballing perspective, Martinez will be a big loss, as he was such a unique piece in Flick’s Barcelona side; the only naturally left-footed centre-back, which, combined with his polished technique, made him a key asset in the build-up.

Iñigo Martinez has joined Al Nassr as a free agent after terminating his contract with Barcelona by mutual consent, both clubs have announced.