Emiliano Martinez will apparently leave Aston Villa after the season. He shed tears at the last home game on Friday evening, presumably saying goodbye to the fans.
No one at Aston Villa really had any reason to be sad on Friday. With a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, the Birmingham club still has a foot in the door in the battle for Champions League places, even if fifth place could soon be lost again. Manchester City, who will not play Bournemouth until Tuesday due to their FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, can still overtake them before the final matchday.
But one person couldn’t hold back the tears during the celebrations with the fans afterwards: Emiliano Martinez. He waved to the crowd several times and even blew kisses to the fans. As it was the last home game of the season, the emotional outburst was understandably linked to his departure. Contract until 2029 or not.
Unai Emery did not want to confirm that the 32-year-old is leaving the club after 211 competitive games in five years. The problem: he couldn’t deny it either. “We’ll see,” said the coach. Of course, it was the last game at Villa Park, “we have to wait and see how things go with the team and the players. But of course they show what drives them on the pitch.”
Two top clubs are said to be interested
It is still unclear where Martinez might go. Some time ago, the Saudi Pro League is said to have tried to sign the World Cup-winning goalkeeper, but according to reports, that is no longer an option for “Dibu.” He wants to be in top shape for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada and play at the highest level before then. According to media reports, two top clubs are vying for the services of the charismatic goalkeeper.
Martinez owes a lot to Villa, where the late bloomer’s star really began to shine. He went 15 games without conceding a goal after his move from Arsenal in the 2020/21 season, a club record. No Villa keeper has kept more clean sheets than the current vice-captain. His performances also made him interesting for the Argentine national team again at the time – the rest is history.
