Emi Martinez says his “love” for Aston Villa meant he wanted to return to England as soon as possible after helping Argentina to World Cup glory. Martinez made critical saves under the most intense pressure as Lionel Messi finally lifted the trophy in Qatar on December 18. An epic final victory over France, with Martinez saving penalties in the shootout, was followed by an epic party in Buenos Aires, which the players became the centre of once they returned to their homeland. The 30-year-old has admitted it took him time to get back into the swing of club football after the incredible highs of Qatar and found himself sleeping twice as much as usual as he came down from the euphoria of winning football’s ultimate prize, and the tournament’s Golden Gloves award for the best keeper.
Emi Martinez said: “I don’t drink alcohol, I don’t drink fizzy drinks. But I came back to the UK and I was sleeping 14/15 hours a night. I was like ‘wow, I only need seven or eight hours!’. Adrenalin, you can see how it cost me to come back. But I love this club, I wanted to be here as soon as possible. I had to enjoy it [winning the World Cup] with my country but once I was here, I was fully focused on this club. The club gave me everything, I’m grateful to be here.”
Martinez’s declaration of love will give Villa fans hopes amid fears he could leave for a Champions League club this summer, with Tottenham being linked with a move for the former Arsenal stopper. The player himself has admitted that will be difficult with Villa, who are still going through a rebuilding phase after sacking two managers – Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard – in the space of 12 months.
Emi Martinez said: “I’m still hungry, I want to win the Champions League. Obviously, I would like to do it with Aston Villa, but it will be difficult because the club is still in its growth phase. I won the most beautiful title there is with the national team and now I’m aiming for the biggest title. I would like to win a title with Aston Villa, but it’s complicated. You should never lose hope. We’ll see what will happen. I have the feeling that I have the level to play in the Champions League and try to win it.”
