Martinez says leaving Arsenal for Villa a step up in his career
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said leaving Arsenal to sign for the Birmingham-based Premier League outfit during the close season was a step up in his career.
The 28-year-old spent 10 years at Arsenal and played only 39 first-team matches for them in all competitions, including 23 in the 2019-20 campaign filling in for the injured Bernd Leno, as they finished eighth in the league and lifted a 14th FA Cup.
After moving to Villa in search of regular playing time, the Argentine has excelled as their No 1 by keeping four clean sheets in the league including one in his team’s 3-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
“When I decided to come to Villa it was because I trusted the manager’s ambitions, the club’s ambitions. I knew what a big club Villa is. People don’t realise how big it is,” Martinez told reporters.
“They were all saying it was a step down in my career but I will always say it was a step up.”
Villa climbed to sixth in the table heading into the international break with 15 points from seven games.
“We’re going to have a really good season... I’ve said since day one my ambition is to be in Europe with Villa,” Martinez added.
“I want to take this club as high as possible and I think we’re on the right path. Do I think it can be done this season? Yes. That’s the idea. That’s the wish. We have to work for it.”
Villa will host Brighton & Hove Albion when league action resumes on 21 November.