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Emiliano Martinez has signed a contract extension with Aston Villa until 2027.
The Argentina goalkeeper, who tasted Copa America success in 2021, has been an integral figure at Villa Park since his move from Arsenal ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Martinez managed 15 clean sheets in his maiden term under Dean Smith last season, equalling the club’s Premier League record for shutouts that was last achieved by Brad Friedel.
Since saving a John Lundstram penalty on his Premier League debut for Villa on September 21, 2020, only two goalkeepers – Ederson (31) and Edouard Mendy (24) – have kept more top-flight clean sheets than the 29-year-old (20).
And after penning a fresh five-and-a-half-year deal, Martinez outlined why he has committed his future to Steven Gerrard’s side.
“I won a major tournament with Argentina not long ago and every time I come through the tunnel at Villa Park on a matchday, I can see the crowd, the lights, the fans excited for us to play,” he told VillaTV on Friday.
“Just before coming out [on to the pitch], I see the Champions League trophy and the FA Cup trophy and that’s where I want to get.
“I want to be in a Champions League final with Villa, I want to be at Wembley playing in an FA Cup final or EFL final.
“That’s why I’m committing five and a half years to this club because that’s where I want to get.”
Martinez endured a frustrating time at Arsenal, where he made just 15 appearances as he was loaned out to numerous clubs, but believes he has now settled at Villa.
“When I signed for Aston Villa, obviously I had massive ambitions about being in Europe and being the best version of myself, and the club have opened a really good door for me,” he added.
“They made me a better goalkeeper, with the goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler, Christian [Purslow], Johan [Lange], they’re good people, very loyal and ambitious as well, like the owners.”
“So winning a major tournament for Argentina, thank you to Aston Villa for developing me as a good goalkeeper; and I think actually I can improve much more here and I want to commit my future here.
“It feels like home.”
Villa, who also brought in experienced goalkeeper Robin Olsen on loan from Roma on Tuesday, sit 13th in the Premier League on 23 points as they prepare for their next clash with Everton on Saturday.
