Emi Martinez admits Mikel Arteta offered him new contract before Arsenal exit

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Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has again been discussing his exit from Arsenal this summer and admits that the Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wanted to keep him at The Emirates. 

The Argentine pushed for an exit from the North London club this summer when it became clear he would not be guaranteed regular first-team football in competition with Bernd Leno for the number one spot. 

That was despite his impressive form for the club after stepping in for the injured German at the end of last season. 

In the end, he got his wish, joining Aston Villa in a deal worth a reported (Sky Sports) £18.5 million. 

But as he told DAZN Sports, Martinez’s departure was not something Arsenal’s current boss accepted without a fight. 

“Arteta is a great coach, I knew him as a teammate and he will be one of the world’s great coaches in a few years,” Martinez stated, as relayed by AS. “He said that he had two number ones, that he didn’t know who was going to play, that he didn’t know who was going to start the league because we were both at a great level, I had finished well and Leno had been injured playing well. 

“And he didn’t know who was going to be number one. And faced with that doubt, after winning two titles, I decided to leave the club after so many years. It was my decision, Arteta wanted to retain me, he even offered me a new contract and for that, I was super grateful to him and to the club, but my decision had already been made.”

Martinez was one of Arsenal’s star performers post lockdown and plenty of fans were disappointed when they saw him leave, even if Leno remains an adequate replacement. 

The Argentine stopper has since had an impressive start to life at Villa Park, saving a penalty on his debut against Sheffield United whilst also keeping goal in Villa’s stunning 7-2 win over reigning champions Liverpool. 

Arsenal fans certainly appreciate the gentlemanly manner in which Martinez left the club and will no doubt continue to hope he thrives in his new surroundings.