Emiliano Martinez reveals real reason he left Aston Villa to join Chelsea | Football

Emiliano Martinez says Argentina’s World Cup final defeat influenced his decision to leave Aston Villa in the summer and move to Chelsea.

Martinez joined Chelsea towards the end of the summer transfer window in a deal worth just £7.5m.

The 34-year-old has been one of the most influential goalkeepers in the world over the last few years, helping Argentina reach two World Cup finals and winning the Europa League at Villa Park.

Chelsea were expected to stick with their current goalkeeping options this season but Xabi Alonso turned to Martinez following Robert Sanchez’s unconvincing performance in the club’s Premier League opener.

Martinez immediately replaced Sanchez as Chelsea’s No. 1, with the Spaniard subsequently loaned out to Cesc Fabregas’ Como in Italy.

World Cup winner Martinez said he was determined to win titles after moving to Stamford Bridge and insisted Chelsea was a ‘good match’ for his ambitions.

But speaking to Argentine outlet TYC Sports during the international break, Martinez revealed the recent World Cup final defeat also played a part in his decision to leave.

Argentina beat England on route to the World Cup final out in the United States but produced a hugely underwhelming performance in the showpiece event and were beaten 1-0 by Spain.

Asked about the fallout to Argentina’s World Cup final loss, Martinez said: ‘It took me a while to think; losing the World Cup final hurt a lot.

‘I tried changing clubs to mentally refresh myself, and I succeeded. I came here [to Chelsea], and it was the best thing I did because I feel useful, fast, and good.

‘In the end, I have to represent my country, my family, and I have to do my best.’

The arrival of Martinez is yet to solve Chelsea’s defensive issues, with Alonso’s side conceding more goals than any other team in the Premier League this season.

Despite Chelsea’s poor defensive record, Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel still believes Martinez will prove to be the ‘signing of the season’.

‘I have to say these are all crazy amounts of money, and I don’t understand how this is even possible for the clubs to maintain that level of investment,’ Schmeichel said when asked about the summer transfer window.

‘I look at the list and the one name which I don’t see is Emi Martinez who is, for me, could turn out to be the signing of the season.

‘He’s only costing them £7.5 million, top, top, world-class goalkeeper. Top, top, £7.5m.

‘If we’re confused about the transfer market, that I think is underlying of how it is. This has been the maddest window, I think.’

Chelsea play their first game in three weeks on Saturday, welcoming Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge.

Before that Martinez will likely feature in Argentina’s farewell match for the retiring Lionel Messi, a friendly against Benin in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

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