“We know of his desire” – Emery likely to get request he doesn’t want as Aston Villa player fancies packed summer

Last month, when speaking to the Argentine media, Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez teased about the possibility of playing at the Olympics this year.

The goalkeeper explained that the U-23 tournament is the only title he hasn’t won for the national team, even though he trusts the youngsters who secured the qualification for the tournament.

Now as manager Javier Mascherano was interviewed by TyC Sports, Olé features some of his quotes about Martinez.

The confirmed that the U-23s could make good use of the Aston Villa goalkeeper in the tournament, although that’s still to be decided.

“How can we not take Dibu into account? We have the world champions, the best players in the world. Dibu is at least the top three best goalkeepers in the world, it’s difficult not to take him into consideration. We know of his desire. Then, that desire has to be realised. We talked about it with him and with the coach of the senior national team to find out what possibilities there are” said Mascherano.

It’s worth pointing out that Argentina are also playing the Copa America this year, with the tournament taking place between June 20th and July 14th. The Olympic football tournament, which will be held in Paris, will be held between July 24th and August 10th.

Since Aston Villa aren’t obliged to let players go to the Olympics, Martinez would also need authorisation from the club to play both of the tournaments. That may be a discussion which will take place in the coming months, with Unai Emery key.