Emi Martinez shares what he told Mikel Arteta after deciding to leave Arsenal

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Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has labelled Mikel Arteta ‘incredible’, and explained to The Independent what he told the Arsenal boss when he decided that he wanted to leave the Gunners in the summer.

Martinez left the Emirates this summer after a decade with the club. The move came as a surprise to some as it came after he had enjoyed a run in the side following an injury to Bernd Leno last season.

Interestingly, the 28-year-old also started in goal in the Community Shield at the start of this campaign. But that proved to be his final appearance for the Gunners.

Martinez explained that he informed Arteta that he wanted a new challenge shortly after the win at Wembley.

“The following morning I texted Mikel [Arteta] and told him,” he told The Independent.

“I thanked him, I said I won these trophies because of the way he trained, the way he changed the team. I trust his process so much, he is incredible. [When he was a player], I always thought he was different. It’s like with [Lionel] Messi, I don’t see him as a top player, I see him as a top coach.

“He’s got so much to prove and I wish him all the best. I will always love everyone at Arsenal, I will always be grateful, but it was time to say goodbye.”

TBR View: Arteta in impossible position

It would have been fantastic for Arsenal to keep both Martinez and Leno. The German has been excellent throughout his time in North London.

And Martinez proved to be a revelation once he got his opportunity. He has since gone on to continue that form at Villa. The Argentinian was man of the match on his debut last month.

It was always going to be tough for Arteta to keep both players happy once Martinez came in and impressed so much last term.

So, while most Arsenal fans will be happy to see Martinez do well, they will certainly be hoping to watch Leno do even better.