Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez’s father, Beto, is a fan of regularly speaking to the Argentine media. He’s now given a new interview to Minuto 91 and Pasión Fútbol have relayed his comments.
Last month, Beto left the door open for his son to return to Club Atlético Independiente. The 33-year-old is a product of the Argentine club’s academy and had left them to join Arsenal in 2010.
Martínez Sr. made this admission just days after the Aston Villa player said it’d be difficult for him to return to Club Atlético Independiente in the near future. He has opened the door to a move to Saudi Arabia or America.
Previously Martínez Sr. has explained how he’d like to see his son spend some years playing in a sunny country, presumably after what he believes is non-stop rain in England.
Last summer, the Argentine international came close to leaving Unai Emery’s side for Manchester United, where the weather may be even worse. A move didn’t take shape, and the stopper has maintained his place in Aston Villa’s starting lineup.
Emiliano picked up an injury in his side’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace last week. Marco Bizot replaced him in the second half. The setback forced the goalkeeper to miss the FA Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
Aston Villa player not risking fitness
Beto has now revealed his son came off mainly as a precaution to avoid further damage.
“He has a small tear, a slight strain in his calf. He preferred to come off for fear of kicking and tearing it further,” he said.
The Aston Villa star’s father also said his son has made a ‘key change in his mindset’ to prioritise his fitness. Emiliano earlier “always wanted to play” but now he’s focusing more on taking care of himself physically. The World Cup being on the horizon will have helped that thought develop.
Emiliano Martínez has kept six clean sheets and conceded 19 goals form 20 matches for Aston Villa this season.
