Emi Martinez has broken his silence over his failure to secure a move to Manchester United, insisting he is "happy" despite missing out on a transfer before the deadline. The Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford after featuring prominently on United's shortlist as they searched for a new number one.
The Red Devils ultimately opted for Royal Antwerp's Senne Lammens, completing an £18m deal on deadline day, leaving Martinez to remain at Villa Park. The 32-year-old had bid an emotional farewell to supporters at the end of last season, and he played just once for Villa this term in their 1-0 defeat to Brentford.
Martinez has now given a one-word update, posting a series of images on social media of himself in Argentina kit with the caption "Feliz" — meaning 'happy' — alongside an Argentina emoji. He has joined up with the reigning world champions ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador.
Argentina legend Sergio Goycochea, however, has expressed concerns over Martinez's current situation, saying: "It's not the ideal situation to be living in 10 months before the World Cup. He's proven himself. His emergence, his journey, as he himself put it, his mental strength, and the professional support he's had—it's all good. He's a guy with a lot of personality, and all that stuff he puts to his advantage in a lot of situations that make a difference. We'll have to see how it plays out for him right now. That's the only thing that scares me."
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has suggested he would have preferred the club to sign Martinez over Lammens. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: "I just think his experience, he's got the personality, the character, plays for Argentina where the pressure is absolutely immense, he's won a World Cup, he was one of the reasons they won the World Cup, the save in the final, a big moments man. Man United need as much personality as they need ability coming through that door and I think he fits the bill in that sense completely."
After the international break, Martinez will hope to reclaim his place in Villa's starting line-up, with Marco Bizot having started two of the club's opening three league matches. Villa's decision to retain Martinez comes as they prepare for a busy season domestically and in Europe.
