In a heart-stopping incident that could have derailed his dream move, Inter Milan's new goalkeeper Josep Martínez cheated death after being involved in a serious road collision while travelling to complete his medical.
The 26-year-old Spanish shot-stopper was en route to undergo his mandatory medical examinations when his vehicle crashed into a heavy goods truck during torrential rain near Milan. Emergency services rushed to the scene as the stormy conditions turned the routine journey into a nightmare scenario.
Miraculously, Martínez emerged from the wreckage physically unscathed, though undoubtedly shaken by the terrifying ordeal. The timing couldn't have been more dramatic - mere hours before he was due to put pen to paper on his transfer from Genoa to the Serie A champions.
Medical Goes Ahead Despite Trauma
In a remarkable display of professionalism, the determined goalkeeper proceeded with his medical examination as planned later the same day. Club doctors gave Martínez the all-clear, confirming he'd suffered no physical injuries from the collision.
"The fact he still completed his medical shows incredible mental strength," noted one insider. "Most players would have been too traumatised to focus, but Martínez was determined to seal his Inter destiny."
Stormy Conditions Blamed for Crash
Witnesses reported that severe weather played a significant role in the accident, with visibility reduced and road surfaces becoming dangerously slick. The collision occurred as Martínez's car attempted to navigate the treacherous conditions that have battered northern Italy in recent days.
Inter Milan officials have remained tight-lipped about the incident, but sources confirm the club is "immensely relieved" their new signing escaped unharmed. The €15million acquisition is seen as crucial backup for first-choice keeper Yann Sommer ahead of Inter's title defence.
Martínez's brush with danger serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football, and how the beautiful game's biggest moments can sometimes hinge on life's most unpredictable circumstances.
