Inter Milan New Boy Names Real Madrid Reference As “Point Of Reference” & Role Model

New Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez feels that legendary former Real Madrid and Spain keeper Iker Casillas is his role model.

Speaking in an interview on the Nerazzurri’s official Twitter account, the 26-year-old called Casillas a “point of reference.”

Inter have decided on Martinez as the player to be their long-term solution in goal.

The Nerazzurri signed the Spaniard from Genoa earlier this month.

Martinez will not necessarily take over the starting role right away. Rather, he is expected to be the backup to Yann Sommer in goal next season.

However, in the longer term there is little doubt that Inter see Martinez as the player to be the starter between the posts.

Inter Keeper Josep Martinez: “Iker Casillas My Role Model”

Thus far, Martinez has won a total of just one cap for the Spanish international team.

Naturally, winning the starting spot in goal will not be easy for the new Inter keeper.

This summer, Athletic Bilbao keeper Unai Simon was the starter for Spain at the Euros as they won the tournament.

Simon has been the regular first-choice starter for Spain for a few years now.

Then there are other high-level Spanish international keepers like Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez and Arsenal’s David Raya.

There is, nevertheless, a certain sense that La Roja do not have a truly world-class keeper between the posts, even with the consistency of Simon’s performances.

Inter keeper Martinez could look to give himself a chance to have a run of starts for his country by starring for Inter at a top European level over the next few years.

Martinez was asked who his favourite player was as a child. “Definitely [Santiago] Canizares,” he replied. “The legendary former Valencia goalkeeper.”

“Then when I was older, it was Casillas,” the 26-year-old said.

“He’s a point of reference and role model for me,” Martinez said of the former Real Madrid captain. “He’s a legend.”