Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez says he joined Arsenal to financially support his family.
The World Cup winner spent a decade at Arsenal and left them for Aston Villa in 2020.
On Tuesday, the goalkeeper returned to the Emirates to attend an event organised by the Argentine football association. Olé have relayed his comments.
Martínez came through the ranks of Club Atlético Independiente’s youth system, and they sold him to Arsenal.
The Gunners initially signed him from the South American club for their academy, in 2010. Former Arsenal scout Francis Cagigao played a role in the 33-year-old’s arrival at Arsenal. He convinced the north London club to sign Martínez.
On Tuesday, Martínez was honest in explaining that money was the motivation behind his decision to make a switch to the Premier League side. He mentioned this when asked about his early arrival in England.
“Many people don’t know that my family wasn’t doing well financially at the time, and I decided to come here to help them. It wasn’t a football move: it was about helping my family. And I achieved that goal,” he said.
The Argentine played 38 matches for Arsenal. His appearances were limited and the Gunners sent him on loan to six different clubs.
Most of his appearances for Arsenal were during the 2019/20 season as Bernd Leno, who was then their No.1, was sidelined with injury.