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Ángel Martínez: “We are absolutely all a family”
Former RCD Espanyol midfielder reflects on his career
Ángel Martínez may now be in front of the camera for Espanyol Media, but his journey with RCD Espanyol takes him back to the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque.
He began his career in the club’s academy as a 16-year-old, taking him through the ranks and into the first team. Now he has come full circle back to the RCDE Stadium, it is a journey he looks back on fondly.
Speaking to Espanyol Media, Ángel said, “I was clear that I wanted to come to Espanyol. It was my team, I was supporting Espanyol, so I had no doubt about it. I was growing up very quick out there and on the pitch, but we were still teenagers that didn't know anything about life.”
He added, “We are absolutely all a family helping each other. That was the difference between us and other teams, we took care of each other and we were fighting on the pitch every day because you want the best for your family, for your club. I am very lucky and grateful that my hard work paid off, that was an amazing time.”
After spending two years with Espanyol B, Ángel’s opportunity to make his senior debut came at the end of 2006 in what is now the Europa League. He came on as a substitute in Espanyol’s 1-0 win against Austria Wien, going on to play the full second half.
Reflecting on his blanquiazul debut, he recalled, “I was doing really well, and one day I got the call from the first team staff saying, ‘Ángel, you are going to be involved in the next game.’ After that I was usually training with the first team, playing in LaLiga and making my debut there as well.”
Ángel would spend almost half of his professional career playing in England, where he would play for three clubs across the Championship and League One. While he had stints at Millwall at Chesterfield, it was with Blackpool where he flourished the most.
“I got the interest of Blackpool, there was a coach called Ian Holloway who showed interest in me,” Ángel explained. “I didn't speak any English, I didn't know anything about Blackpool, but just the idea of playing in England was very exciting for me.
“It was a great challenge, but it was a chance for me. We took all of our bags, didn't look back and said, ‘Let's go to England.’ Everything was different: the weather, the sky, the food. At the beginning, it was a process, but I had a good attitude, always with a big smile.”
The former midfielder would be at Bloomfield Road for three years, making 73 appearances and helping Blackpool to the Championship play-off final in 2012.
Ángel said, “Slowly I was adapting. I was playing with the team and the first season in particular was amazing. We reached the play-off final. I was playing very good football. We lost the final, but it was an amazing experience.”
The full interview will be available to watch on Espanyol Media and across all club platforms on Friday.