Emi Martinez receives stunning Lionel Messi comparison at Aston Villa as ‘legendary’ claim made
Emi Martinez has been through an eventful few weeks at Aston Villa.
Martinez was omitted from Aston Villa‘s squad against Crystal Palace, with Marco Bizot taking his place for the demoralising 3-0 defeat before the international break.
His absence caused a frenzy of rumours surrounding the Argentine’s future, with Unai Emery answering “Bizot” to all questions he was asked about Martinez by Sky Sports prior to the Palace game.
It was thought that Martinez was trying to force a move to Manchester United, but there is seemingly more to the situation than meets the eye.
Emi Martinez’s brother makes Lionel Messi comparison after transfer saga
It remains to be seen whether Martinez can reconcile his relationship with Aston Villa fans
Bizot flopped in Aston Villa’s 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace, but after such an unsettling transfer deadline day for his competitor, the Dutchman is likely to continue in goal.
Martinez’s brother, Alejandro Martinez, has suggested that his sibling was not trying to force an exit, though, and that discussions about an exit were amicable.
He also stated that his influence at Villa Park has been reminiscent of Messi’s at Barca.
- Martinez has conceded just 256 goals in 211 appearances for Villa
- He has kept 69 clean sheets during his five years at Aston Villa
- The Argentine turned 33 in awkward circumstances on 2 September
In quotes reported by Doble Amarilla, he said: “At Aston Villa, he’s the Diego (Maradona) of Napoli. He gave a lot at Villa, like (Sergio) Aguero did at City, like Leo Messi did at Barca.
“They’re legendary players, and it’s going to be hard to surpass what he did at Aston Villa.
“He is well-liked, and the directors didn’t want to sell him because he is the key player in the team, and another team wanted him. It was that commercial dispute.
“Emi never had an argument with Unai. It was all within the management’s control, and the clubs couldn’t agree.”
- Read more: Emi Martinez slammed at Aston Villa as details of contact with Manchester United star emerge
What’s next for Emi Martinez at Aston Villa?
The situation needs to be cleared up, as the last thing Villa and their supporters need is confusion over the long-term future of one of their most influential players and especially in such an important position in the team.
There needs to be some sort of clarity, whether that comes from Emery or whether Martinez breaks his silence himself to speak about what happened.
Right now, there is a fear that if it is not resolved, then Villa could find themselves in a similar situation with Martinez’s future in just a few months.
Ultimately, though, if he is recalled, then it will be performances on the pitch that determine whether fans can rebuild that trust with a player who has been hugely popular throughout his time at the club.
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