Exclusive: Emiliano Martinez Would Be Foolish to Leave Aston Villa, Says Former Midfielder

Garry Thompson believes Emiliano Martinez and Aston Villa are a “match made in heaven”.

The former Villains’ midfielder stressed the grass is not always greener on the other side and believes Argentina’s World Cup winning goalkeeper would be a fool to leave Villa Park in the near future.

Martinez has been touted as the best stopper in the world after his exploits for club and country in recent years.

The Argentine gloveman penned a contract extension which will keep him at the Midlands club until 2029 earlier this season, but a number of top clubs around the globe are keen to secure the services of the controversial keeper. 

“His antics at times are amusing,” Thompson told SportsBoom.com. 

“He has become so good. After the World Cup people said he would move to a massive club and his career will crack on because he was renowned then as the best in the world.”

"He showed loyalty to Villa. Wanted to stay, signed a new contract. Villa have given him the platform to kick on with his career.”

“It’s a marriage made in heaven. He loves it at Villa and Villa fans love him as well.”

“The man can make a save. Despite all the other stuff around him with his antics, he’s a fantastic goalkeeper.”

“Let’s be honest, we’ve got one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We’ve got the lad voted best goalkeeper in the world last two years.”

"You’d say people are going to be interested in taking him. But for Villa fans, he wants to be here. He feels a debt of gratitude to Villa.”

“You can’t say Villa pulled him out of the fire because he was at Arsenal, he wasn’t exactly struggling. But he’s comfortable here.”

“As I learned in my career, when you’re comfortable you play your best football. You think things will be better when you move, but things don’t pan out.”

“If we had a bad season or a bad two seasons you can understand him saying he wants to play Champions League, but we’re giving him all of that.”

HAPPY TO BE PROVEN WRONG

Thompson was initially sceptical when Villa signed the keeper for £17million. 

But he is happy to take his medicine after Martinez’s phenomenal contributions since joining the club.

Villa have had an increased workload this season with a Champions League campaign and are currently sat eighth in the Premier League. 

But they will be hopeful of finishing in the top four once again this season. 

“You’ve talking about a kid when he came Arsenal had won the cup with him,” added Thompson. 

“I was doing something on the radio and I was saying £20million for a kid who’s been on loan everywhere and played for everyone but Arsenal. It was only the end of that season he got in the team instead of Leno and did really well.”

“I’m saying it’s a lot of money for a keeper. When you watch him, first game he saves a penalty and he’s got better and better. I look a bit silly when you look at what he’s done for the club since.”