‘He’ll be a superstar’: Emi Martinez now raves about 22-year-old Villa reportedly failed to sign

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Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has paid tribute to his international teammate Julian Alvarez, who is bound for Manchester City.

It has been reported that Villa actually held talks with Alvarez before he made his decision to sign for Pep Guardiola’s champions.

Martinez and Alvarez are on international duty, and set to play on English soil tonight when they face Italy at Wembley.

That match sees the winner of the Copa America and the European Championship go head to head, and of course that means England were within a penalty shootout of taking part.

Martinez praises Julian Alvarez

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Martinez said: “Obviously we know how talented he is.

“I wanted him to come to Villa to be fair! I told him before the Copa America to join us. He is a very talented player.

“A top lad, very humble and a hard worker. I believe he’s going to be a superstar. It’s hard to compare him to Sergio Aguero, to be fair. He’s got a lot to prove but he’s going to be a superstar.

“He’s going to work with one of the best managers in the world. He’s very loyal to the team.”

Martinez obviously did his best to try and convince Alvarez to come to Villa after the talks but it was not to be.

City demonstrated their quality to Villa last time out, coming from 2-0 down to win the Premier League in almost the blink of an eye.

That is what Alvarez has opted to join and it is tough to begrudge him that, although after Martinez’s glowing review, they might be gutted that the 22-year-old will not be wearing the claret and blue next season.