Aston Villa praised as Emiliano Martínez summer decision is confirmed
Bryan King claims Aston Villa made the right decision not to allow Emiliano Martínez to compete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The ex-Villa scout believes that the goalkeeper’s number one priority should be his club duties.
As reported by Birmingham Live (3 July), Martínez has not been named in the Argentina squad for the Olympics after Villa blocked his participation.
And King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – has no problem with Unai Emery’s side taking this decision.
“Of course, it would be lovely for him to play in the Olympics and perhaps win gold,” King said.
“However, his job is with the Argentina senior team and most importantly Aston Villa Football Club.
“They pay his wages, this is where he works and this is what makes him an international goalkeeper.
“I think Villa made the right decision on this, I could never see the club agreeing to that, he would have missed the entirety of pre-season.”
Will Emiliano Martínez be unhappy with Aston Villa?
Villa will feel as if they have done what is best for the club.
However, they have risked upsetting one of their most important players in the process.
Emery will hope any lingering frustration blows over by the time the 2024/25 season gets underway.
While Martínez would be unlikely to force a move away just because of this decision, the goalkeeper certainly won’t be best pleased with his employers.
And Emery will need to ensure that he smooths over any tension when the 31-year-old returns to the club.
In other Aston Villa news, delight has emerged after an official announcement at the club this week.
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