‘Osvaldito’ Martínez bids Liga MX farewell

After being transfer-listed by Puebla prior to the start of the Guard1anes 2021 season and failing to find a suitor, Paraguayan midfielder Osvaldo Martínez has decided to leave Mexico in pursuit of a new team where he can find important minutes on the pitch. A few weeks back, it was heavily rumored Martínez was in the process of finalizing a move to Querétaro, only to see it falter. Instead, he was left the odd one out at Puebla.

The talented player posted a photo on Instagram a few hours back showing his gratitude toward Mexico, where he has spent the last 12 years of his life. He played for six different Liga MX clubs in that span; Rayados, Atlante, América, Santos, Atlas, and his latest, Puebla. He garnered five league titles to his name (two with both Rayados and América, one with Santos), as well as three CONCACAF CL titles (one with Rayados, two with América). To go along with those accolades, he played in a total of 498 matches with the six clubs, scoring 74 goals and assisting 86 times.

But more than any other stat one could throw out there which would only further prove the benefit Mexico had of witnessing such a talented player, it was his exquisite technique with the ball that he will be remembered by. Such a special touch on his passes, free kicks, corner kicks, penalty attempts, long-distance shots, etc. Every time he touched the ball, one could tell he was on another level technique-wise than the rest of his teammates.

His emotional Instagram post reads as follows: “Today, after 12 years I say goodbye to this beautiful country where I spent a big part of my life, a country where I enjoyed every minute and where it felt like home. They were beautiful years alongside friends and great professionals that life and football have given me. Today I leave toward new projects out of the country and I couldn’t leave without thanking all of you for all the affection, strength, advice, and everything you gave me throughout these years which allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. I take Mexico with me as well as all of its people in my heart. I’ll never forget so many vivid moments. Thank you for this beautiful ride, thanks for so much. IT’S NOT A GOOD-BYE, IT’S A SEE YOU SOON.”

While the Paraguayan had many an impressive moment in his career in Mexico, despite having accomplished great things with América, it’s the Rayados years that will stand out to me. Yes, “Chupete” and Aldo de Nigris were the center pieces and leaders of that offense, but had they lacked such a skilled ball handler, as well as intense defender when needed, we could be talking about a much different outcome for Monterrey during those Vucetich golden years. He was an integral and vital part of that Ap 2009 and Ap 2010 league champion Rayados and really put himself on the map after starring in that team’s amazing run. A real pleasure to have watched such a skilled player in Liga MX.