lastwordonsports.com

John Terry Hails Chelsea’s ‘Signing of the Summer’ and Reveals Special Shirt Detail

Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is seen during the FA Cup match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: 24th January 2021.

Following a summer of change at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea defeated Fulham 3-2 in their opening fixture of the 2026/27 season. Xabi Alonso was appointed as the club’s new manager this summer, with plenty of players leaving and some significant signings coming in. On August 30, the Blues play Brighton at Stamford Bridge and have announced the signing of Emi Martinez from Aston Villa, with the Argentine going straight into the starting lineup. Former club captain John Terry has given his honest take on the signing of Martinez, revealing a phone call between the two with an historic detail.

Chelsea Continue to Strengthen Under Xabi Alonso

Emi Martinez Deal Completed

Stamford Bridge has seen plenty of change this summer, with several fringe players leaving the club. The future of Enzo Fernandez appears to lie away from Stamford Bridge, while the club have strengthened in several areas, including with the arrival of Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix.

The signing of Martinez is a vital one for Chelsea, with Robert Sanchez being at fault for both goals in the win over Fulham, alongside a number of high profile errors last season. The Argentine has moved to the Bridge in a £7.5 million deal.

Read More:Chelsea vs Brighton Predicted Lineups

“I’m delighted to be at this football club,” Martinez said. “Coming to Chelsea, for me and my family, was an easy decision to make and I’m just over the moon – I can’t wait to get started.

“I want to be successful here. I’m someone who wants to win at everything I do and I want to bring that here to this football club because it’s a football club that wins titles, so I think it’s a good match.

“I’m all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100 per cent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud.”

Emi Martinez pictured - Comparing Dibu to Rob Sanchez

IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

John Terry Hails Arrival of Emi Martinez

Discussing the qualities Martinez brings to Chelsea, Terry said:

“Emi Martinez coming into the building, I think, has to be the signing of the summer. What a world-class goalkeeper he is. If I had any choice in the world, who I’d gone and signed in terms of goalkeepers, he would be right at the very top for me. We signed him at Aston Villa from Arsenal and he was unbelievable.

“The confidence he shows, the way he trains, the influence he had over the group of players, the mindset is incredible. Someone who wants to win day in, day out, hates conceding goals in training, loves keeping clean sheets. Everything about this guy, trust me, is top. So excited to have him in the building.

Read More:Chelsea vs Brighton Confirmed Lineups

“He’s great with his feet, great shot stopper. What I love about him the most, other than his penalty saves, has to be the way he commands the box,” added Terry.

“I actually spoke to him, because I don’t know if anyone knows, but he’s taking the 26 shirt,” revealed Terry. “Yes, we’ve given the green light; he can take the 26 shirt, because he loves keeping clean sheets as much as I did when I wore that 26 shirt. Hopefully that serves him well; what a keeper, what a player. I am absolutely delighted to have this man in the building,” added Terry regarding Martinez taking his old 26 shirt.

The Last Word on Emi Martinez

The signing of Emi Martinez is a key one for Alonso’s team. He brings plenty of experience and is a proven winner at the highest level.

He’s an exceptional shot-stopper and one who demands the best from his teammates in front of him. He is more than comfortable with the ball at his feet and excels under pressure. His judgement on when to come out or stay is impressive, as is his ability to take out crosses. Martinez is a clear upgrade on Robert Sanchez, and one that instantly improves the Chelsea team.