Arsenal legend Ian Wright sat down for an interview with Emi Martinez and spoke to him about his time as a Gunner before he was sold to Aston Villa.
The Argentine spent a decade on Arsenal’s books from 2010 to 2020. He spent most of his time out on loan, but he did get an opportunity after Bernd Leno’s injury in the 2019/20 campaign. He grabbed it with both hands.
Martinez became a star in his final season at Arsenal, helping us win the FA Cup and Community Shield. He was then sold to Aston Villa for £20 million (Guardian).
Why Pele Is Overrated.
Ian Wright says he was disappointed to see Arsenal sell Emi Martinez
Mikel Arteta’s decision to sell Martinez completely divided the fan base in the summer of 2020.
The Argentine, despite our feelings about him now, was absolutely brilliant for us in his final few months here, and he definitely did do enough to earn a new contract.
However, Martinez demanded the number one position at the club, and Arteta does not give guarantees like that to anybody. That forced his hand and in came Aston Villa with a decent offer. Arsenal accepted it and the rest is history.
Wright spoke to Martinez on the Behind The Game series on the Premier League’s official YouTube channel. He revealed that he was really disappointed to see him go.
The Arsenal legend said: “I sent you a message when you were leaving Arsenal. I can’t lie, I was disappointed to see you leave because, in that moment, you were amazing. And I thought that Villa got you for very, very cheap.”
Wright then shared the voice message he sent Martinez after he left Arsenal. Watch it below!
The Insider’s View:
Many people were disappointed to see Martinez leave ahead of Leno.
But, it is important for everyone to understand that we received an offer for only one of those two goalkeepers, and Martinez decided he wanted to leave as well.
That made it an easy decision for Arsenal in the end, but we do agree with Wright here – Villa got him for a cheap fee. We should’ve demanded more, but it is what it is.
Arsenal have Aaron Ramsdale now and he’s head and shoulders above Martinez. So, it worked out well.
