Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino welcomes Emiliano Martinez, the player Arsenal sold to Aston Villa three and a half years ago.
Mauricio Pochettino pays tribute to Arsenal’s old friend Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez has been at Arsenal for about ten years.
The Argentine has spent most of his time on loan but has made an impact over the past year, helping the Gunners win the FA Cup and Community Shield.
Aston Villa signed Martinez for £17m in 2020 (BBC) and he has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world ever since.
The 31-year-old has been incredible for both Villa and his country. In recent years, he has been instrumental in Argentina winning the Copa America and the World Cup.
Last night, Martinez played another very impressive game and Mauricio Pochettino praised him after his side had to settle for a draw.
The Chelsea boss told BBC Sport about Martinez: “Of course he is a world champion and he is world class. He is always so difficult to beat.”
Pochettino praised him further, quoted by Sky Sports: “We scored six goals on Tuesday. Today would have been a good day! But that’s because the goalkeeper (Martinez) is an exceptional goalkeeper and sometimes you need a bit of luck to score.”
Martinez has moved up a level since leaving Arsenal
Emi Martinez was never the first choice when he was at Arsenal.
He only got his chance when Bernd Leno was seriously injured at the end of the 2019/20 season, and it changed his life.
After a fantastic end to his Arsenal career, Martinez’s performances have risen to the next level. He is now an Aston Villa and Argentina star and one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Villa are having a great season, and if Martinez continues to help them in difficult moments, he could achieve something really special in the coming months.
