Emiliano Martinez has declared that staying at Aston Villa was the 'right choice' after his proposed move to Manchester United collapsed last summer. The World Cup-winning goalkeeper was strongly linked with a transfer to Old Trafford, but the Red Devils ultimately opted to sign Senne Lammens on transfer deadline day in September.
Martinez's Emotional Farewell
Martinez had appeared destined to leave Villa Park, waving to fans with tears in his eyes during the final home game of the 2024/25 season. He was also omitted from the squad for the home match against Crystal Palace on August 31, with Marco Bizot starting in goal. However, the move never materialized, and Martinez was reinstated as first-choice goalkeeper for the next Premier League fixture.
Commitment to Aston Villa
Reflecting on the situation, Martinez said: 'I said goodbye and I cried when I left my family from Argentina to England as well. Sometimes football can change, managers can come and go. It doesn't mean that I don't have full respect for the club. I love the club.' He emphasized his commitment to Villa, noting his achievements with the club, including winning the World Cup and two Golden Gloves awards while at Villa Park.
Martinez is now preparing for the Europa League final against Freiburg in Istanbul on Wednesday night. He expressed pride in staying with Villa, especially given the club's achievements this season. 'I am in a European final and we have got Champions League again with all the circumstances that we have had and battles we have had this year. We are one of the lowest spenders in the Premier League,' he said.
Praise for Unai Emery
The goalkeeper also praised manager Unai Emery, who is aiming for a fifth Europa League title. Emery has won the competition three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal. Martinez said: 'I think we deserve it, I think the fans deserve it, and obviously the manager has had four or five finals in this competition. We don't wish anyone else apart from him on the bench tomorrow.'
Martinez added that he always reflects on his journey from a young boy leaving Argentina to support his family. 'When I'm in the game, whatever happens, I know how tough times are in England. When I was young, I missed my family. Even now, I'm a World Cup winner and a few titles for the national team, but two things about that young kid who left Argentina to save his family from poverty,' he concluded.
