Emiliano Martinez Issues Emotional Farewell To Arsenal After Joining Aston Villa

Emiliano Martinez has issued an emotional farewell to Arsenal fans after spending a decade at the club.

Aston Villa confirmed the signing of Martinez on Wednesday morning for a fee of £15 million and it ends his ten year association with the Gunners after signing as a teenager in 2010.

Last season saw him earn a sustained run the first team due to Bernd Leno's injury and he helped the North London outfit win their 14th FA Cup.

But the opportunity for first team football was too good to turn down for the 28-year-old and he had a request before waving goodbye: the chance to speak as an Arsenal player one last time.

"I feel weird, it's been over a decade at the club," the Argentine told Arsenal.com. "Everyone knows how much I love Arsenal, and how hard I worked to have the chance that I had in the past few months.

"I am in love with this club, I am so grateful to the Arsenal family for giving me the opportunity to be here over a decade and I wish Arsenal the best of luck, I hope they get back into the Champions League and win many more trophies because the Arsenal fanbase deserves that, the club as well.

"I just want to say to the fans that they should trust the process, they are doing really good work with Mikel and his staff and I wish them all the best."

Martinez endeared himself to Arsenal fans during one of their toughest periods in recent memory, with his enthusiasm and eagerness to get involved.

PA

"Thank you, thank you for all of the years [of support]," Martinez continued. "I thank God for having the opportunity over the past few months to show the Arsenal fanbase what I am made of, and why I went on loan so many times.

"It was always to come back and win them trophies and give them silverware. I did it, I feel prouder than ever.

"They made me as a goalkeeper; not just the club, not just my goalkeeping coaches but the fans as well because they supported me, gave me the confidence to perform as well and I wish them all the best and hope they win many, many trophies. Thank you. That's all I can say."

PA

Martinez only made 38 senior appearances during his time at the club and he had six different loan spells at Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Getafe and Reading.

But his love for Arsenal never wavered and his undying passion means he'll forever be remembered as a true cult hero.

Topics: Emiliano Martinez, Football News, Aston Villa, Football, Transfers, Arsenal

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

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