Not for the first time since the arrival of NSWE, Aston Villa fans have been absolutely blindsided today with the announcement of a new contract extension for valuable and irreplaceable goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣7️⃣ pic.twitter.com/OB93NHDQZT
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 21, 2022
The 29-year-old, now Argentine and Copa winning international, made the unexpected switch from Arsenal back in September 2020 for a snip £17million. Having made our No1 shirt his own, he then made the Argentina shirt his own – quickly endearing himself to both sets of fans with his penalty antics and general attitude.
For obvious reasons this season has been a bit more mixed, but having matched Brad Friedel’s Premier League Clean Sheet record (15 – 2020/21), there’s no reason to believe Emi won’t smash it in the years ahead.
Already under contract until the summer of 2025, Martinez has signed a two year extension keeping him with us until 2027 and plenty of fans will see it as a vote of confidence to our future ambitions given the press have tried to sell him from under us since his form rocketed.
"When I'm happy and enjoying my football, my family is happy so I'm looking forward to another five-and-a-half years." 💜 @EmiMartinezz1
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 21, 2022
With 58 appearances to his name since his arrival, speaking to the Official Site as his new deal was announced, Emi has clearly found his spiritual ‘home’ now.
“I won a major tournament with Argentina not long ago and every time I come through the tunnel at Villa Park on a matchday, I can see the crowd, the lights, the fans excited for us to play. Just before coming out, I see the Champions League trophy and the FA Cup trophy and that’s where I want to get. I want to be in a Champions League final with Villa, I want to be at Wembley playing in an FA Cup final or Carabao Cup final. That’s why I’m committing five and a half years to this club because that’s where I want to get.”
Vital Villa’s Emi Mertinez Forum Thread
Thanking the club for supporting and believing in him, as well as helping to make him a better stopper, Martinez is determined to improve further where ‘it feels like home’.
With so many saves under his belt, here’s a few of the best if you’ve forgotten some.
After signing a contract extension until 2027, @EmiMartinezz1 joined us on the Villa Park pitch to talk through some of his best saves. 😍 pic.twitter.com/WZbGRaygZJ
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 21, 2022
Unless you’re an Arsenal fan or support the so called big six, I defy anyone not to love this news.
Remember that time Arsenal didn't want him anymore, let him go for peanuts and he quickly became Villa and Argentina's number 1 and one of the best goalkeepers in the prem? Thanks Arsenal.
— Steve Elliott (@steve_elliottuk) January 21, 2022
His name needs to be chanted more. He is the club hero at the moment really since Grealish went
— Harvey🇧🇷 🇦🇷 (@HarveyAVFC_) January 21, 2022
Best keeper in the division. Delighted.
— Will Davies (@wilsterdavies1) January 21, 2022
What’s all this talk about Ederson & Mendy…we clearly have the best GK in the PL! #ItsTrue
— Deonté 🦁 (@dantrum17) January 21, 2022
Great player and great bloke. Villa Park is your home 👍
— O'Leary's Oligarchs (@MAvfc88) January 21, 2022
This is my favorite signing so far. Love this man
— AstonVillans 🦁 (@myburneraccou11) January 21, 2022
I think the fans more than like him 💪🏻
— Simon Day (@ArthurUpmore) January 21, 2022
