Emi Martinez breaks silence on Man Utd transfer snub with one-word update

Emi Martinez had emerged as an option for Manchester United to bolster their goalkeeping department only for the Red Devils to eventually move for Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens

Emi Martinez claims he is “happy” despite missing out on a dream move to Manchester United. The Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper was expected to leave the Midlands this summer after a few stunning campaigns.

He bid an emotional farewell to Villa Park at the back-end of last season and then featured heavily on United’s shortlist as they searched for a new goalkeeper. And while he remained an option late into the window, the Red Devils eventually opted for another player.

They completed an £18m deal for Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens on deadline day. With the dust now settled, Martinez has spoken out for the first time.

Having linked up with his Argentina teammates ahead of international duty, the goalkeeper shared a number of images of him in Argentina kit with the caption: “Feliz,” meaning ‘happy’, alongside an Argentina emoji.

The reigning world champions are set to take on Venezuela and Ecuador over the next fortnight in qualifiers for the next World Cup. And while Martinez will be keen to focus on his national team commitments for now, Argentina legend Sergio Goycochea admits he has concerns for his mentality right now.

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Speaking to TNT Sports Argentina, he said: “It’s not the ideal situation to be living in 10 months before the World Cup. He’s proven himself. His emergence, his journey, as he himself put it, his mental strength, and the professional support he’s had—it’s all good.

“He’s a guy with a lot of personality, and all that stuff he puts to his advantage in a lot of situations that make a difference. We’ll have to see how it plays out for him right now. That’s the only thing that scares me.”

Meanwhile, United legend Rio Ferdinand has suggested that he would have preferred his former club to make a move for Martinez instead of Lammens.

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“Speaking on YouTube, he said: “I just think his experience, he’s got the personality, the character, plays for Argentina where the pressure is absolutely immense, he’s won a World Cup, he was one of the reasons they won the World Cup, the save in the final, a big moments man.

“Man United need as much personality as they need ability coming through that door and I think he fits the bill in that sense completely.”

Once the international break is over, Martinez will hope to return for Villa. Marco Bizot has started in two of the club’s opening three games, with Martinez being between the sticks for the 1-0 defeat to Brentford.

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