Emiliano Martinez has revealed he needs a “mental refresh” after losing the World Cup final to Argentina, which is one of the main reasons behind his move from Aston Villa to Chelsea.
The Blues signed the 34-year-old goalkeeper at the end of the summer transfer window after agreeing a £7.5m deal with Villa. Initially, sources at Stamford Bridge said they were delighted with the goalkeeper’s situation, but a 3-2 win at Fulham on matchday one changed everything for Xabi Alonso.
Robert Sanchez was at fault for at least one of Chelsea’s two goals conceded at Craven Cottage, and Alonso was quick to act. After Villa signed goalkeeper Sion Suzuki, Martinez was available on the cheap and the Blues decided to bring in the experienced Argentina international.
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It was a difficult decision for Martinez after nearly six years at Villa Park, but the goalkeeper felt he had to make a decision. Especially because of the agony felt after Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup final in July when the South Americans were denied their second consecutive world championship crown.
Speaking to TyC Sports via Sports Witness, Martinez lifted the lid on his move to Stamford Bridge to become Chelsea’s No.1 goalkeeper. He said: “It took me a while to think about it; it hurt a lot to lose in the World Cup final.
“I tried to change clubs to refresh myself mentally and I succeeded. I came here and it was the best thing I did because I felt useful, fast and good. In the end I have to represent my country, my family and do my best.”
Martinez is preparing for a remarkable day in Argentine football history. Lionel Messi, considered by many to be the greatest football player in the history of the sport, will play his last match for the Argentine national team on Tuesday against Benin.
His compatriot Martinez is preparing for an emotional farewell: “We will try to make him enjoy as much as possible. We will shower him with love and kisses and make him happy.
“I tried to help him as much as I could, he knows that, we always talk about it.
“It was one of the greatest honors of my career to help him achieve what he desperately wanted, because he is the best player in history and I feel like I am a part of that, thank God.
“On Tuesday, I want to see him enjoying himself and smiling.”
Martinez should return to Cobham at the end of the week and be part of Chelsea’s squad to face Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. Since his move from Villa, the Argentine striker has started all four of the Blues’ Premier League matches, but has conceded an astonishing 10 goals during that time.
Although Martinez may not have started as well as he would have liked in a Chelsea shirt, his defenders have not helped the goalkeeper at all. Alonso said before the international break that the defensive side of the game is something the Blues need to seriously improve on.