Aston Villa's Emiliano Martínez Talks About Winning and Facing Arsenal

Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has attributed his recent success to a personal connection, wearing the number 6 jersey in honor of his son, Santi, born on June 6. The number has brought him good fortune, as he has secured four trophies with the national team, including a Copa América title this summer. Martínez emphasizes his commitment to winning, stating, “I do everything for my team,” and dismisses any perceptions of showboating, insisting he is simply a family man focused on achieving victory. As Martínez prepares for a match against his former club, he maintains a pragmatic outlook, viewing it as “just another game.” He acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly in the Champions League, but expresses confidence in Aston Villa's potential to make an impact. Drawing on his past experiences, including a semi-final run with Villarreal, he believes that with the right management and team spirit, Villa can surprise their opponents this season. Martínez's journey has been shaped by his experiences at Arsenal under Unai Emery, where he worked alongside “mad man” García. Although he had the opportunity to reunite with them at Villarreal in 2020, he chose to join Villa, where he feels he has gained valuable experience and playing time. As a father and a seasoned player, Martínez is eager to contribute to Villa's success in their inaugural Champions League campaign.