‘Emi Martinez bids farewell to Aston Villa after Spurs win amid Saudi exit links’
Emi Martinez may have just said his final goodbyes to the Villa Park faithful following Aston Villa’s 2-0 win over Tottenham.
The 32-year-old Argentine has found a home in the Midlands since joining on a permanent deal from Arsenal in 2020, going on to make over 200 appearances for the Villans.
Usually a pantomime villain to opposition fans in the Premier League, fans at Villa Park have fallen in love with the talented shot-stopper over the last few seasons, and the love is clearly reciprocated.
The 2022 World Cup winner managed to keep another clean sheet as Unai Emery‘s side hit two unanswered goals past Spurs on Thursday, 16 May, piling even more pressure on Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.
All three points moved the Villans to fourth in the Premier League table, above Man City, and within touching distance of clinching Champions League qualification on the final day of the season.
Sadly for Martinez, that might have to be a leaving present for the incredible Villa Park faithful, as the goalkeeper continues to be linked with a move away this summer.
Emi Martinez to join Saudi Pro League this summer
Paul Robinson told Football Insider (3 May) that a trio of Saudi Arabian clubs are vying for Martinez’s signature once the transfer window swings open.
It is believed that an “astronomical” fee would be needed to afford the goalkeeper, though given the Saudi Pro League’s previous statement signings, that remains a possibility.
The match-going fans have appeared open to Martinez leaving Villa at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, but after the player’s latest actions on the Villa Park pitch, the feeling might not be shared this time.
| Player | Appearances | Goals conceded | Clean sheets |
| Emi Martinez | 211 | 256 | 69 |
Aston Villa goalkeeper spotted crying after Tottenham victory
With the Sky Sports cameras pointed towards the celebrating fans, Birmingham Live’s John Townley wrote: “Emi Martinez appeared particularly emotional after Aston Villa’s final home game of the season.”
The Argentine was spotted taking in the atmosphere by himself, “wiping his eyes” before heading back to the changing room, possibly signifying the end of his time at Villa Park.
While one game remains against Man United, this could be his final-ever game in front of the crowd that has loved and cheered him on for the last five campaigns, having finally found a home away from Arsenal.
Fans have taken to social media to even say their own goodbyes to the player, with all parties clearly understanding that his time with the Villans is now over.