Emi Martínez has expressed his delight at signing a new contract at Aston Villa.
The World Cup winner spoke to assembled season ticket holders and members of the media after announcing the news at the new Villa Store before thrilling fans with a meet and greet session.
Here’s what the Argentine had to say on committing his future to the club…
On his reasons for signing a new deal…
“I feel that the club is moving forward every year. I have achieved everything as an international for Argentina and I still think that we can win a trophy here. I will have a go in the next five years and see if we can achieve that.
“I became the best in the world here and I want to continue developing myself. I’ve got an amazing goalie coach and an amazing manager.
“This club wants to progress. Defending the goal at Villa Park is exciting and I get goosebumps every time I hear my name in the stadium.
“I feel the same love here as I feel for the national team, so why change?”
On his love for Aston Villa…
“I wanted to prove myself, I wanted to be an international and I wanted to play every game. I knew the history of Aston Villa, not as much as I know now, but when I started playing here I fell in love with the club, I fell in love with the fans.
“My kids were born here and you need to be where you feel happy. Certainly, I’m happy here.”
On trying to end the club’s wait for a trophy…
“I love it here but I wouldn’t stay at the club if I didn’t see progress because I want to achieve things, I want to win things and keep being the best goalie in the world.”
He added: “It’s always possible when you’ve got the manager we have. He reached the semi-finals of the Champions League with Villarreal, he won four Europa Leagues and he’s taken Villa to the Champions League for the first time.
“It’s going to be new for us but when you’ve got players and managers like that, you can go all the way.”
On aiming high in 2024/25…
“If you want to be the best team and win a trophy, we need to improve from last season.
“There are a lot of improvements; we conceded a lot of goals and that’s something we need to reduce.
“I’m doing a lot of work with Javi and Unai, and if we can reduce that we have a better chance of getting into the top four and winning a title. That’s something that’s been missing for a long time and that fans really want.”
