Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is undoubtedly enjoying everything that has been happening in his career recently, and is still far from done.
The World Cup champion was this week interviewed by ESPN Argentina, and had a little conversation about his current aspirations when playing for club and country.
Martinez insists he’s in no hurry, claiming he’s completely focused on the end of season of Aston Villa before switching his mindset to the Copa America.
“I’m going step by step, first I want to enter the Champions League with the club, then the Copa America, I don’t like to skip steps. I take it as if it were my first Copa America,” said the goalkeeper.
Martinez has been playing in Europe for a very long time, but that never made him less Argentine. The goalkeeper explains he still has very strong bonds with his country, and says affection from his compatriots is something that motivates him.
“It’s everything I wanted, always when you leave without playing in the first team you are left with that ego, but not making my debut doesn’t mean that I didn’t grow up in Argentina. Even though I’ve been in Europe for 40 years, the years I spent in Argentina are the ones I’ll remember the most, I’m more Argentinian than dulce de leche.
“Being an idol for the kids is what I enjoy the most, seeing them in Mar del Plata with the 23 shirt. When I go back to Argentina and play those two games, I go back to England with more energy.”
The goalkeeper recently became a legend with the Argentina national team, by winning a Copa America and a World Cup. Now there’s a fresh chance to win the continental competition this summer, this time with North American countries involved as well. Still, there are some objectives to be confirmed with Aston Villa first.
