'Sensational' Emi Martinez sliding doors moment revealed as two clubs made transfer blunders
Emi Martinez’s career could have taken a very different path, it has been revealed.
The Argentine’s career has taken off since he joined Aston Villa and he is now regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, having won major honours with his country, including the World Cup in 2022.
He is yet to win any silverware with Villa, but was a key figure as they defied expectation to finish fourth in the Premier League last season and qualify for this season’s Champions League. He also helped Unai Emery’s team reach the semi-finals of last season’s Europa Conference League.
Martinez’s career began at Independiente, playing in their youth team, before moving to Arsenal and then Villa. Miguel Ángel Santoro was Independiente’s manager when Martinez arrived and he has revealed two of their rivals, Boca Juniors and River Plate, both passed up on opportunities to sign him.
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Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “He went to try out for Boca and River, but luckily, they didn’t see him. He came to try out for the club he is a fan of and from the first day I saw interesting things in him at Independiente.”
He added: “He’s having a sensational time. He was a kid who came to Independiente with all the hope. He cried and worked hard to reach the top. He represents Independiente worldwide and at the World Cup he showed all his greatness.
“Martínez is the goalkeeper of Argentine history, there is no other who has won what he won.”