Emi Martinez appeared to be saying goodbye to Aston Villa fans at the end of their last match of the season amid summer transfer links, but his wife has a different version of the story
Emiliano Martínez of Argentina
Emi Martinez has been linked with Manchester United(Image: Manuel Cortina/Getty Images)
Emi Martinez’s wife has denied that her husband has said farewell to Aston Villa. A visibly emotional Martinez was seen waving to supporters following Villa’s final home game of the 2024/25 campaign against Tottenham on May 16, prompting speculation he could leave this summer.
The Argentina international has a contract at Villa until 2029, but their failure to qualify for the Champions League could prompt him to go elsewhere. There have been reports about Villa’s concerns with complying with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, suggesting the club might need to cash in on their top players.
Martinez has been linked with a move to Manchester United, who first made contact in January amid worries over Andre Onana. Villa were then said to be keeping an eye on Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as a potential replacement for Martinez.
But his wife Mandinha has dismissed the speculation, telling BBC WM: "He wasn't in tears. No. Anybody who knows Emi knows he is an emotional character and that's who he is. It just shows you how much he loves the Villa fans. I love the Villa fans. We love Villa."
Her words may reassure Villa supporters somewhat, but Martinez himself has been a lot less committed in public.
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SSpeaking to reporters after reporting for international duty recently, he said: "My future? I don’t know, I come here to play for the national team, and that’s the only thing that matters to me right now.
"Do I want to move to a new club? The transfer window just opened, so there’s still a long way to go."
Meanwhile, Villa boss Unai Emery has also hinted that Martinez will be on his way this summer. Speaking before the final game of the season against United on May 25 – in which Martinez was sent off – he said: "We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don't know.
“We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field. Of course, then we will see about everything, how we are going to try to get better for the next season."
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa acknowledges the fans
Emi Martinez appeared to be saying goodbye to Villa fans on May 16
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Martinez also has strong links with Arsenal, having spent much of his career on the books in north London. He has previously suggested he still loves Arsenal and praised Mikel Arteta. "I think it was 10-11 years I was here," Martinez told Sky Sports.
"I’ve still got friends here. I came here as a lad and left a man. I’ll always love this club.
"They are still second, they’ve come far and have one of the best managers in the world. I’ve worked with Mikel [Arteta]. I know how good he is."
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