Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez has been involved in a fatal road accident. Martinez, aged 27, was en route to training on Tuesday morning when he collided with a man in a wheelchair at around half past nine, according to reports in Italy. The victim, an elderly man of 81, is believed to have suffered a medical episode just prior to the collision, which left him vulnerable in the path of oncoming traffic.
Despite the immediate response of emergency services, the elderly gentleman could not be saved. Martinez, who serves as Inter’s backup goalkeeper behind Yann Sommer, was visibly distressed but physically unharmed by the tragic incident and has been cooperating fully with local authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Martinez was said to have immediately stopped and provided first aid, but the elderly man was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the prompt arrival of an ambulance and air ambulance.
Italian police are investigating the incident.
The devastating crash has sent shockwaves through the club, leading to the cancellation of head coach Cristian Chivu’s scheduled midday press conference.
Martinez moved to Inter last year from fellow Serie A team Genoa. The one-time Spanish international has made 12 appearances for the Nerazzurri, including two league games this season.
According to The Sun, the incident took place at around 9.40am local time in the village of Fenegro, located in the province of Como, near Inter’s training ground complex in Appiano Gentile.
Martinez had been expected to start from the bench for Inter’s clash with Fiorentina on Wendesday evening.
Raffaele Di Gennaro, Inter’s other backup goalkeeper to Sommer, is currently sidelined for several months after undergoing surgery on a scaphoid fracture in his right wrist earlier in October.
Martinez joined Inter from Genoa, after his initial breakthrough at Spanish side Las Palmas, where he came through after learning his trade at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
He moved to RB Leipzig from Las Palmas in 2020 before signing for Genoa two years later.
