Emi Martinez has revealed why he is giving up the No.1 shirt at Aston Villa and taking on a “really special number” that means so much to him.
The World Cup winner has enjoyed another productive summer with Argentina, as he claimed a second Copa America crown.
He helped the Albiceleste to global glory at Qatar 2022 and has been enhancing his reputation as a penalty-saving specialist.
Martinez was prevented from forming part of Argentina’s squad at the Olympic Games in Paris, but is raring to go ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season.
He will be sporting a new jersey for that campaign, with the decision taken to trade No.1 for 23.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper has told Villa TV of why he is swapping squad numbers:
“Well, it’s been, I think, four seasons with the number one.
“I won all the trophies with the national team with the number 23.
“[It’s’] the day my boy was born.
“I want to bring silverware to the fans, to Villa.
“I’m really superstitious to be fair, so changing to 23, it’s a really special number.”
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Martinez has been with Villa since 2020, taking in over 150 appearances for the club.
He contributed to a top-four finish being secured last season, meaning that Unai Emery’s side now have Champions League football on the agenda.
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