Emi Martinez says he had offers to leave Arsenal this summer, but stayed because he was given assurances of more playing time, as well as his belief that he has what it takes to be the number one keeper at the club.
The Argentine’s decision to continue in North London came after an impressive loan spell at Reading last season, and the departure of Petr Cech whose retirement ensured he’d become the cup goalkeeper for the new season.
However, he’s not content with that, and is determined to scrap with current number 1 Bernd Leno for the top job.
Speaking to the Arsenal En América podcast, the 26 year old said, “I had a great season on loan at Reading and had offers to leave Arsenal. I wanted to play, it was going to be my priority.
“After nine years without much rhythm I wanted to leave, but I got the news that I was going to play more games and I decided to stay to try to be number 1.
“I am very prepared. If I didn’t believe myself capable of taking that position, I wouldn’t have stayed.
“Last year Petr Cech began as a starter and Bernd Leno played in the cups. But this year Leno starts number 1 and I’m going to play in those competitions.
“We both play very well with our feet. Our coach tells everyone that we are one more player and told us that we are one of the best keepers who play with the feet he had, that it’s very important for his game system.
“Leno has more professional matches than me, but in qualities I am equal to or better than him.”
You can’t argue with his self-belief, or ambition, and he also expresses his desire to make it to the Argentine national team.
Martinez will get his first run-out of the season when the Gunners travel to Frankfurt for their opening Europa League group stage game next week.
That’s the spirit, Emi!
Leno has more professional matches than me, but in qualities I am equal to or better than him
Love this.
There’s a difference between confidence and arrogance.
Leno has started in 30+ League games for 5 consecutive seasons in the first division of one of the top 5 leagues in Europe. Martinez barely has 30 league appearances in the first division of one of the top 5 leagues in Europe.
Let’s get real. We all want him to succeed and become our number one, sure, but let’s not get carried away.
I do rate Emi, this could be his season
I really really really hope we don’t repeat that mistake of assigning one keeper to PL and another to EL.
The best, which is Leno by miles, should start all the important games.
He has all the qualities. Leno makes more mistakes, he should be dropped (temporarily). That’s how you maintain level of performance. No more of this “undisputed number 1” shit.
You can’t do that with the GK, man.
“Leno makes more mistakes”. Please expand on this… what are you basing this on?
Prakhar practically pratting. What a stupid thing to say
..
“Prakhar practically pratting”
An alluringly adept application of alliteration.
Emi is a lot better than many people think he is, and he’s always positive and up for the fight. Good luck to him, I think he can do well this season.
I really rate Emi. I live in Reading and was buzzing to see him go on loan there last season. His GKing helped them to avoid relegation. Yes he did make a couple of errors but he also pulled off some amazing saves. With more game time I actually think he could be better than Leno, although both are still young in GK terms.
I will be happy if he can just be a reliable backup.
With all due respect to Leno and Emi, who I rate both very highly, theres always that part of me that thinks fuck I wish we didnt sell Szeszney. He could of gone down a legend for us. Like seriously, as if some of our other legends in history hasnt sparked a smoke in the Southampton change rooms.
Goalkeepers playing with their feet essential for our system, really? Goalkeeper passing the ball to the left all the time and our defence getting under pressure easily? I see nothing essential to a system in that.
unpopular opinion: I used to live next door to him. I already have a song if he ever makes it to the big time — “he parks where he wants”. he’s an entitled prick. suffice to say, when he’s playing in goal for arsenal I hope he does whatever is required of a goalkeeper to contribute to our victory, but in real life, he is devoid of class and has no respect for layfolk