Emi Martínez admits Aston Villa “feels like home” and has stressed his desire to win a major trophy with the club after penning a new contract until 2027.
The Argentina international goalkeeper has put pen to paper on a fresh five-and-a-half-year deal at Villa Park.
Fans’ favourite Martínez, who has made 58 appearances for the club since arriving in September 2020, has spoken of his happiness at Villa and his delight at extending his stay.
The 29-year-old won the Copa América last summer and has signalled his ambition to secure a major honour with Villa.
Martínez told VillaTV: “I won a major tournament with Argentina not long ago and every time I come through the tunnel at Villa Park on a matchday, I can see the crowd, the lights, the fans excited for us to play.
“Just before coming out (on to the pitch), I see the Champions League trophy and the FA Cup trophy and that’s where I want to get.
“I want to be in a Champions League final with Villa, I want to be at Wembley playing in an FA Cup final or Carabao Cup final.
“That’s why I’m committing five and a half years to this club because that’s where I want to get.”
He added: “I won a major tournament for my country after 28 years and I want to do the same here, that’s why I’m committing my future to the club.”
Martínez has been a revelation since arriving at the club just 16 months ago
He has established himself as one of the best keepers in the world – becoming Argentina’s No.1 in the process and shortlisted for the prestigious Yashin Trophy in 2021.
Following his arrival at the club, Martínez got off to a perfect start in claret and blue, saving a penalty on his debut against Sheffield United.
He duly went on to equal Brad Friedel’s club record for clean sheets in a single campaign in 2020/21, scooping the Supporters' Player of the Season award before then going on to help La Albiceleste to Copa América glory, walking away with the Golden Glove in the process.
Yet the stopper believes there is more to come as he approaches his prime.
“When I signed for Aston Villa, obviously I had massive ambitions about being in Europe and being the best version of myself, and the club have opened a really good door for me," he said.
“They made me a better goalkeeper, with the goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler, Christian (Purslow), Johan (Lange), they’re good people, very loyal and ambitious as well, like the owners.
“So winning a major tournament for Argentina, thank you to Aston Villa for developing me as a good goalkeeper; and I think actually I can improve much more here and I want to commit my future here.
“It feels like home.”
You can watch our full interview with Emi on VillaTV, in which he also discusses his favourite saves in a Villa shirt. Watch now…
