Emiliano Martinez joined Aston Villa over the summer in a £20 million transfer.
The 28-year old goalkeeper joined Arsenal in 2010 from his first professional club Independiente and spent much of his time at Arsenal on loan.
After Bernd Leno’s injury in the 2019-20 season, Martinez stepped in as the No.1 and helped the Gunners win the FA Cup in August.
He also helped his side lift the trophy in the Community Shield match against Liverpool, Arsenal’s second piece of silverware of the season.
“I thought if I played well that game, I would be number one, but afterwards it still wasn’t clear who was going to start in the league,” Martinez began.
“I was told that there was a 95 percent chance I would start against Fulham [on the first day of the season], but I just thought, ‘why not 100 percent?’ Something didn’t feel right. Everyone wanted me to stay, but that’s when I decided to go.”
“When I arrived at Arsenal [in 2010], there were nine goalkeepers in front of me,” Martinez continued.
“Every year I had to prove myself, but I left as No 1. That was my story done there.
“The following morning I texted Mikel [Arteta] and told him. I thanked him, I said I won these trophies because of the way he trained, the way he changed the team. I trust his process so much, he is incredible.
“[When he was a player], I always thought he was different. It’s like with [Lionel] Messi, I don’t see him as a top player, I see him as a top coach. He’s got so much to prove and I wish him all the best.”
Martinez’s move to Aston Villa helped Arsenal to gather the funds they needed to invest in Thomas Partey.
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