Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has opened up on the real reason behind his decision to join Chelsea this summer. The 34-year-old shot-stopper completed a £7.5 million transfer from Aston Villa and has gone straight into the Blues’ line-up.
Although Chelsea were on the lookout for a goalkeeper, Xabi Alonso claimed before the start of the season that he is satisfied with Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders as his two main options. However, Sanchez’s error-strewn display in the opening game against Fulham forced the club into snapping Martinez up, which subsequently led to Sanchez leaving on loan to Como.
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Martinez has now revealed that his decision to make the switch to Stamford Bridge came only because he was ‘hurt’ after the FIFA World Cup final loss to Spain. The goalkeeper admitted that he wanted to join a new club to mentally refresh himself after that setback.
He also described the transfer as the ‘best thing’ because he feels useful and good at the club. Martinez told TYC Sports:
“It took me a while to think; losing the World Cup final hurt a lot. I tried changing clubs to mentally refresh myself, and I succeeded. I came here, and it was the best thing I did because I feel useful, fast, and good.
“In the end, I have to represent my country, my family, and I have to do my best.”
Martinez has endured a tough start to life at Chelsea. Since his arrival, the Blues have conceded 10 goals in four Premier League games. They are 10th in the table with the leakiest defence in the top-flight.
Chelsea return to action with tricky clash against Bournemouth
After the three-week international break, Chelsea are back in action on Saturday. Alonso and his team host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have had enough time on the training pitch to iron out their issues in defence. As such, the fans will be expecting a much-improved performance this weekend.
Bournemouth have yet to win a game in the Premier League this season. But it is fair to say that their performances have been far better than the results suggest. Marco Rose has maintained the club’s identity of playing entertaining, attack-minded football. There is no doubt that this will be a tough test for Chelsea.
The hosts were without Reece James, Joao Pedro and Moises Caicedo in their 3-0 loss to Brentford before the international break. All the players are expected to be in contention for selection against Bournemouth, which is a massive boost for the team.
Edited by Nived Zenith
