Venezuelan midfielder cites difficulties in renewing passport after political intervention in his country, guarantees that board is aware of the problem and confirms absence in the classic against Santos
Midfielder José Martínez broke his silence this Wednesday (21). The Venezuelan has not yet reappeared for this 2026 season, after traveling for the holidays. In addition to resting, the athlete aimed to renew his passport and work visa. In early January, the South American country suffered military intervention by the .
“I’m Venezuelan and, recently, my country went through a process of unexpected rupture in the Government. This, of course, makes it difficult to access basic services provided by Venezuelan bodies, which has been delaying the possibility of renewing my passport”, explained Martínez in a post on Instagram.
“In addition to being a travel document, my passport is what gives me the right to work in Brazil, with my work visa, and travel internationally to defend the Corinthians shirt”, he continued.
The delay in the athlete’s reintroduction caused discomfort among Dorival Júnior’s technical committee. The midfielder is expected at the black and white club until the end of this week. He will be absent again in the classic against Santos, this Thursday (22), for .
“I make it clear that the technical committee and management of Corinthians are fully aware of all the steps I am taking, through frequent contacts and always responded to by me”, he said. “I hope this situation is regularized soon. I miss the ‘Bando de Loucos’ shouting in the packed Neo Química Arena. Soon I’ll be back doing what I love most for this giant club.”
See José Martínez’s official note:
“I write this note to take a stance regarding the various articles that are being broadcast in Brazil about me.
I begin by explaining: I am Venezuelan and, recently, my country went through a process of unexpected rupture in the Government. This, of course, makes it difficult to access basic services provided by Venezuelan agencies, which has been delaying the possibility of renewing my passport.
In addition to being a travel document, my passport is what gives me the right to work in Brazil, with my work visa, and travel internationally to defend the Corinthians shirt.
I am an employee of Corinthians, a club that I defend with all my heart and love, a team for which I take to the pitch even when the pain would keep me away from it. I would be much happier if I had started the season with my teammates, training, defending these colors and helping Timão win victories and titles. But for reasons already explained, today I can’t do that.
I make it clear that the Corinthians technical committee and board of directors are fully aware of all the steps I am taking, through frequent contacts and always responded to by me.”
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
Published by Nícolas Robert
