Emi Martinez’s father reveals likely next club for goalkeeper as Aston Villa seek replacement
Emi Martinez’s long-term Aston Villa future still feels a little unclear.
Martinez was strongly linked with a summer move away from Villa Park.
Manchester United came close to signing Martinez, but no move materialised and the Red Devils opted to secure a deal for Senne Lammens instead.
Despite the speculation surrounding him, he has remained Villa’s starting goalkeeper this season, and Martinez came in for glowing praise from Ally McCoist for his performance against Arsenal.
Emi Martinez’ father confirms what Aston Villa feared
Martinez hasn’t been seen since Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on 6 December, as the Argentine international manages an injury problem.
However, as per a report from Argentinian news outlet OrgulloRojo, Martinez’s father, Alberto, has confirmed that the goalkeeper does want to return to his homeland, and it may be sooner than Aston Villa would like.
“What he doesn’t want is to come to Independiente to retire; he wants to come and win a championship,” said Alberto of his son’s future intentions.
“He doesn’t want to arrive ruined. That’s what he told me. This is like Messi’s situation, whether or not he’ll play in the World Cup; he’ll feel this way and it will pass.
“Things happen, he has a family, you never know what might happen. But I know that if Emi wants to come back, he’ll come back strong.”
Aston Villa may not have long to find Martinez’s successor
Now aged 33, if the words of Martinez’s father are true, then he may be looking to move on from Villa Park at the next possible exit.
Aston Villa reportedly have replacements for Martinez lined up, all of whom are of a younger profile and would perhaps be cheaper options.
- Martinez has made 227 appearances for Aston Villa
- He has kept 75 clean sheets during his Villa Park career
- Martinez has conceded nine goals in 12 Premier League appearances this season, and is 1/1 for penalties saved
However, the club may well need to move those candidates out of their database and onto a shopping list this January, as Martinez may already have his suitcase packed as he awaits a call from home.
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