Aston Villa ace Emiliano Martinez has revealed the reasons behind his decision to extend his contract at the club until 2029.
The 31-year-old shot-stopper was already under contract with us for the next few years, but after our continued progression and development under Unai Emery, he has decided to extend his stay even further.
READ MORE: Huge boost as influential Villa figure signs new contract
It will be a huge boost for all concerned to have him not only commit himself to the club, but to also have a fundamental pillar of the side now in place for the foreseeable future, as we look to continue to improve the current options at Emery’s disposal, but also continue to strengthen around them.
Further, it’s a statement announcement in that it’s another clear indication of the strength of the ongoing project at the club and how we’re building for success, and it will hopefully act as a key factor in continuing to attract our priority transfer targets in the future.
Martinez was asked why he decided to sign his new deal, and while there were various reasons given, it’s clear that above all he is settled and happy at Villa, and he believes in our ability to continue to build on what we’ve achieved thus far and match his ambitions moving forward.
Of course, we have to produce results on the pitch to make that a reality, but we’ve gone from strength to strength since Emery was appointed, and it’s hoped that we can continue to move in that upward trajectory this season and beyond.
“I feel that the club is moving forward every year,” he said, as per VillaTV. “I have achieved everything as an international for Argentina and I still think that we can win a trophy here. I will have a go in the next five years and see if we can achieve that.
“I became the best in the world here and I want to continue developing myself. I’ve got an amazing goalie coach and an amazing manager.
“This club wants to progress. Defending the goal at Villa Park is exciting and I get goosebumps every time I hear my name in the stadium. I feel the same love here as I feel for the national team, so why change?
“I wanted to prove myself, I wanted to be an international and I wanted to play every game. I knew the history of Aston Villa, not as much as I know now, but when I started playing here I fell in love with the club, I fell in love with the fans. My kids were born here and you need to be where you feel happy. Certainly, I’m happy here.
“I love it here but I wouldn’t stay at the club if I didn’t see progress because I want to achieve things, I want to win things and keep being the best goalie in the world.
“It’s always possible when you’ve got the manager we have. It’s going to be new for us but when you’ve got players and managers like that, you can go all the way. If you want to be the best team and win a trophy, we need to improve from last season.
“There are a lot of improvements; we conceded a lot of goals and that’s something we need to reduce. I’m doing a lot of work with Javi and Unai, and if we can reduce that we have a better chance of getting into the top four and winning a title. That’s something that’s been missing for a long time and that fans really want.”
It’s wonderful to hear Martinez speak this way, and despite what speculation might have suggested in recent years, he has never been shy in expressing his happiness and love for Villa, which has indicated to us as fans that he is fully committed to us and our plans moving forward.
Given his competitive nature, it was no surprise to hear him speak about what must still improve and how he has an important role in that, and that’s another reminder of just how important his winning mentality, experience and leadership all are as he plays a fundamental role in our push to kick on in the years ahead.
Villa have been very active this summer in the transfer market, but securing Martinez’s long-term future, could arguably be the best bit of business we do this window.
