Aston Villa need to make an immediate U turn on Emi Martinez’s future. After what he revealed on Wednesday night, selling him would be a disaster.
The Argentine goalkeeper has been linked with a move away. Reports have claimed Villa are even searching for replacements. But after the Europa League final? That needs to stop.
Martinez put everything on the line for the club. Literally.
‘Every time I caught the ball, my finger went the other way’
Speaking after Villa’s 3-0 victory over Freiburg, Martinez dropped a bombshell.
“Today I broke my finger during the warm up! But.. for me, every bad thing brings something good. I’ve done this my whole life and I’ll keep doing it!
“I have never had a broken finger before. Every time I caught the ball, it went the other way. But these are things you have to go through, and I’m proud to defend Aston Villa.”
Read that again. He broke his finger in the warm up. Could have pulled out. Could have said he couldn’t play. Instead, he went out and kept a clean sheet in a European final.
That’s not just commitment. That’s insanity. In the best possible way.
The kind of character Emery needs
Villa are heading into the Champions League next season. They need warriors. Leaders. Players who will bleed for the badge.
Martinez just proved he’ll break bones for it.
That kind of mentality is exactly what Unai Emery needs going forward. Selling him would send the wrong message to the squad, to the fans, to everyone.
A phenomenal campaign
Martinez has enjoyed a stunning season. Domestically and in Europe. The clean sheet in the final was just the latest example of his quality.
He’s a World Cup winner. A penalty shootout specialist. A goalkeeper who thrives on the big stage.
And now? A Europa League winner with a broken finger.
The bottom line
Villa need to stop searching for replacements. Tear up whatever plans they had. Get Martinez a new contract.
He’s not just a good goalkeeper. He’s the heart of this team.
Selling him would be a disaster. Keeping him? That’s the only option.
Emery and his team need to do everything to convince him to stay. After a performance like that, it shouldn’t be hard.
