Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images
Chelsea have announced their 12th signing of the summer window with the addition of World Cup winner Emi Martinez – and the goalkeeper has explained how Petr Cech and John Terry played a role.
The Blues had taken a break from making new signings, focusing on getting players out of the door before the deadline slammed shut. However, that changed when Martinez became available at Villa.
Robert Sanchez’s mistakes against Fulham saw Xabi Alonso make the decision to sign a goalkeeper, with Martinez available. Alonso has since told Sanchez that he has to find a new club before the deadline.
It is believed Chelsea have had to part with a bargain £7.5m to land the 33-year-old, who has been subject to interest from many clubs this summer, including Juventus. Martinez has now been speaking.
READ MORE: Chelsea fans will love what Burnley manager Nicky Hayen said about Dastan Satpayev
Emi Martinez shares how he spoke to Petr Cech and John Terry
Discussing his move to Chelsea in his first interview as a Blues player, the former Arsenal goalkeeper says that he spoke to two of the club’s biggest legends in Petr Cech and John Terry, two of his old colleagues.
Chelsea Unveil New Signing Emiliano Martinez
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Martinez worked with Cech during the latter’s years at Arsenal, while Terry worked as an assistant gaffer at Aston Villa, having ended his career as a player at the Midlands club. Martinez said he spoke to both.
“I worked with Petr Cech, one of the best goalkeepers in Chelsea’s history. I spoke with JT, a legend of the game at Chelsea. Obviously, they speak highly of the club. I want to be part of that club, with them.”
Is Emi Martinez available to play for Chelsea against Brighton?
The cut-off for new players to play on the same weekend as their arrival is 12pm on Friday. It means that Chelsea have missed the deadline to give Martinez his debut in a Chelsea shirt, but his debut will be soon.
Typically, Martinez will face his old side Arsenal on September 6 at The Emirates. Thrown right into the deep end for his Chelsea debut. On Sunday, he will simply be in the stands as Chelsea take on Brighton.
Interestingly, Sanchez might not actually start against his old side. Given the news that he has been told to find a new club, it could be that Mike Penders retains his place having kept a clean sheet against Luton.
Penders can end a dismal run of 17 Premier League games without a clean sheet, possibly preventing a record that was just as bad back in 1961. Martinez will almost certainly make his debut against Arsenal.