Agbonlahor swipes at Unai Emery after Aston Villa update today – ‘it’s not necessary’
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Unai Emery talking to Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez about his controversial World Cup antics is “not necessary”.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, urged the Spaniard to let the 30-year-old focus on returning to the side after his success in Qatar.
As per BirminghamLive (28 December), Martinez is set to return to training on Thursday (29 December) after winning the World Cup with Argentina earlier this month.
The former Arsenal shot-stopper has been criticised heavily for his exuberant celebrations and on-pitch antics during and after the final against France.
Emery has already waded into the controversy by insisting he will speak to Martinez about the incidents.
The goalkeeper could return to the Aston Villa line-up to replace Robin Olsen when they face Tottenham on 1 January.
When asked if Emery should intervene, Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s not necessary now.
“Day by day, it’s dying down. I think Emery should just move on and draw a line under it.
“Martinez can then just come back and focus on getting ready for the Spurs game.
“He was clearly in the wrong for some of his celebrations, but I think now that two weeks have passed – there’s just no need to bring it all back up.”
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (21 December) that Man United have a “concrete” interest in signing Martinez as they assess long-term replacements for David de Gea.
He is under contract at Villa Park until 2027.
In other news, Football Insider updates as Aston Villa told £30m will seal deal for La Liga star.