Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez insists he made the right decision to stay at the club last summer, despite interest from Manchester United. The Argentine World Cup winner considered leaving Villa Park but ultimately opted to remain, a choice he believes has been vindicated by the club's run to the Europa League final.
Martinez, who will face Freiburg in Istanbul as Villa chase their first trophy since 1996, said: 'I had a commitment with Aston Villa. I'm a World Cup winner with Aston Villa. I won two Golden Gloves with Aston Villa. I will always and forever love this club.'
The goalkeeper also highlighted the influence of manager Unai Emery, who has won the Europa League four times with Sevilla and Villarreal. 'We don't wish anyone else on the bench apart from him, leading us to a European final,' Martinez added.
Villa enter the final as favourites, with Emery's experience in the competition seen as a key advantage. Martinez said: 'We've got a top coach, a top captain, a decent core of the team, and when we stick together, we can beat anybody.'
