Lionel Scaloni has spoke out about Emi Martinez ahead of Argentina's internationals
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez(Image: PA)
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni believes Emi Martínez has quickly refocused after a messy deadline day that saw him remain at Aston Villa instead of securing a move to Manchester United.
Martínez had been open to leaving Villa throughout the summer and was keen on a switch to Old Trafford after five seasons at the club.
Although he signed a new contract just last August, the club was willing to let him leave if the right offer came in during the transfer window.
United submitted a loan proposal for Martínez earlier in the summer, but Villa rejected it. No official offer came from United after that, including on deadline day.
Instead, United opted to bring in Senne Lammens, leaving Martínez as Villa’s first-choice goalkeeper as he travelled to join Argentina for the September internationals.
Ahead of their match against Venezuela, Scaloni was asked about Martínez's state of mind.
“Emi is fine,” Scaloni said in his press conference. “In the end, his transfer didn’t happen, but yesterday was his birthday and I saw him happy.
“Of course, he must have been excited about the idea of playing for Manchester United, as people have said, but he’s a positive kid. He’s already focused on us, and when he returns to his club, he’ll be focused on them. I saw him well.”
When asked if he was concerned Martínez could lose his starting spot at Villa, Scaloni replied: “I’m interested in him playing, but we’re not going to get ahead of ourselves.
"I understand that, if he stays, everything will continue as normal. We’ll see what happens. It’s not my decision."
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