Unai Emery has confirmed that Emi Martinez has been stripped of the Aston Villa vice-captaincy following the goalkeeper's failed summer transfer to Manchester United. The Argentine, who would typically captain the side when John McGinn is absent, was replaced by Ezri Konsa for Thursday's Europa Conference League tie against Maccabi Tel-Aviv.
Martinez was linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the summer and cut an emotional figure in Villa's final home game of last season. However, Manchester United only made a loan enquiry, which was quickly rejected by Villa, who were seeking around £30million for the World Cup winner. United instead signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.
Emery confirmed the decision after the match, stating: 'The first captain is John McGinn. We decided how we are, as well as managing the next captain. Usually, we have another captain, Emi Martinez, as second captain. But now, after speaking with him, I prefer to get him back. Konsa is the next one. Tyrone Mings, with Ollie Watkins too.'
Martinez was dropped for the opening matches of the season but has since returned to the starting lineup. The 31-year-old has been at Villa for four years since joining from Arsenal and played a key role in qualifying for the Champions League.
