Arsene Wenger had revealed his admiration for Emiliano Martinez after the goalkeeper’s journey from a reserve at Arsenal to a World Cup finalist with Argentina in Qatar.
Martinez joined Arsenal in 2010, however solely made 15 Premier League appearances for the Gunners throughout his 10 years on the membership.
The shot stopper had six mortgage spells away from Arsenal, together with spells at Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United.
Emi Martinez had spent a number of years as a reserve goalkeeper at Arsenal underneath Arsene Wenger
Martinez made his breakthrough at Arsenal in 2020 earlier than securing a transfer to Aston Villa
Martinez made his Arsenal breakthrough in 2020, with the Argentine making 9 Premier League appearances and serving to Mikel Arteta’s aspect to elevate the FA Cup.
The 30-year-old moved to Aston Villa for £20m on the conclusion of the season and has since turn out to be Argentina’s first alternative goalkeeper, taking part in a key function in serving to the South People’ passage to the World Cup remaining in Qatar.
Wenger informed the Each day Mirror that he was happy with Martinez’s accomplishment, with the previous Arsenal boss praising his dedication regardless of the early setbacks in his profession.
‘I’m very joyful for him,’ Wenger stated. We have been conscious of his large qualities. He was decided and had a want to study and a giant ardour for the sport.
‘Typically he went out on mortgage and did not even play, nevertheless it did not cease his perception and motivation.
Martinez made his Argentina debut towards Chile throughout World Cup qualifiers in June 2021
Martinez’s penalty shoot-out heroics helped Argentina triumph on the 2021 Copa America
‘After I see him now play figuring out what he went by I like much more his achievement.
‘Properly performed Emi, we’re happy with you.’
Martinez had additionally been pressured to attend for his probability with Argentina, regardless of establishing himself as Aston Villa’s first alternative goalkeeper.
Geronimo Rulli, Sergio Romero, Agustín Marchesín, Franco Armani, Esteban Andrada and Paulo Gazzaniga have been amongst these to characteristic for Argentina underneath supervisor Lionel Scaloni earlier than Martinez made his Argentina debut.
Martinez began for Argentina for the primary time in a World Cup qualification match towards Chile in June final 12 months.
His penalty shootout heroics within the Copa America semi-finals towards Colombia helped Argentina to win the match for the primary time since 1993, overcoming arch-rivals Brazil within the remaining.
Two penalty saves helped Argentina beat the Netherlands within the World Cup quarter-finals
Martinez and Lionel Messi can be essential as Argentina search to beat France within the remaining in Qatar
Martinez has performed a significant function for Argentina on the World Cup in Qatar, together with his late save proving essential in his aspect’s 2-1 win over Australia within the last-16.
The 30-year-old, who has now earned 25 caps for his nation, additionally saved two penalties towards the Netherlands as Argentina progressed to the final 4 by way of a shootout.
Following Argentina’s 3-0 win over Croatia within the semi-finals, Martinez can be tasked with maintaining out France’s formidable assault within the remaining on Sunday.
France are in search of to win back-to-back World Cups having triumphed in Russia in 2018, with the holders having overcome Morocco 2-0 within the final 4.
Argentina are bidding for his or her third World Cup and first since 1986, with captain Lionel Messi confirming Sunday’s showpiece can be his remaining match on the competitors.
