Leaving to Aston Villa, Emiliano Martinez Gives Farewell to Arsenal

DBasia.news – Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez posted a farewell message and thanks to the club and all Gunners supporters. After 11 years in the London cannon uniform, the 28-year-old goalkeeper is now preparing to leave the Emirates Stadium and join Aston Villa.

Despite having been promoted to Arsenal’s first team in 2012, Martinez is not the first choice between the Gunners’ goal. Martinez actually spent more time as a loan player at other clubs. In total, there are six clubs that have borrowed Martinez from the Gunners, ranging from Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Wolverhampton Wanderers, to Getafe.

After spending a season on loan at Getafe in 2018-2019, Martinez was finally trusted to return to the Gunners’ main squad last season. However, Martinez remains the second choice goalkeeper, after German goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Leno injury at the end of last season finally brought a little blessing for Martinez. The player who has been in Arsenal’s youth team since 2010 has had the opportunity to show his abilities. In the end, Martinez successfully led the Gunners to the FA Cup title last season and the Community Shields title at the start of this season.

”I always felt I would get a chance in this team. Season after season I always come back to this team, after a loan spell. I kept waiting and going through all the frustration because football is never easy. Now, my hard work has paid off. Looking at the FA Cup and Community Shields, I feel it is the right time to leave this club. I was finally able to go out through the front door with the support of the club and supporters,” Martinez said in a video upload on his social media account, as reported by Metro, Wednesday (16/9).

Martinez also admitted that he got such great support from Arsenal fans when he replaced Leno at the end of last season. This support, said Martinez, is the biggest motivation for him to be able to perform optimally in every match.

”The support made me more confident. They know my story very well. I have worked hard for the last 11 years and am proud to be part of this club. Thank you Arsenal,” explained Martinez.

Although there has been no official announcement from various related parties, it is rumored that Martinez will soon move to Aston Villa in this summer transfer market. Villa are said to have reached an agreement with Arsenal regarding the move of Martinez for a fee of 20 million pounds.