Cleverley, who turns 22 on Friday, received his first call-up to the full England squad this week after impressing in pre-season for Manchester United, including playing a prominent role in their Community Shield triumph over Manchester City.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has already identified the young Englishman as a potential homegrown replacement for Paul Scholes, who retired at the end of last term.
Cleverley returned to Old Trafford in May after a season-long loan with Wigan, and Latics boss Martinez had nothing but praise for his former charge.
The Spaniard said: "There's a real satisfaction because he was a really important player for us but it's not a surprise. His talent was quite obvious but he was an example for us in terms of his character, his daily standards and his personality.
"If you ask anyone at Wigan, we knew he was going to have that impact going back to Manchester United. Probably we didn't expect it that quickly and that speaks volumes for how highly he's rated.
"We all wish him well and we'll always remember his best moments with us. He's a special man and without doubt he'll be a special footballer for England."
Cleverley's departure plus the sale of star winger Charles N'Zogbia to Aston Villa has left Wigan potentially light in midfield heading into their Barclays Premier League opener against Norwich on Saturday.
One major positive for Martinez has been the form of 20-year-old winger Victor Moses in pre-season, but the Wigan boss insists the burden must not fall on any one player.
He said: "It is a hole but I think it's an exciting hole, because it means the youngsters that we've got at the football club, who I feel are ready, they've got roles to fill.
"I don't think it's down to one player. It's one of those situations you need to solve as a group of players and I can see that unity and desire to be competitive every week."
Source: Team Talk