Emi Martínez Speaks Out After Being Stripped of Aston Villa Vice-Captaincy

Emi Martinez has spoken out after Unai Emery confirmed he has been stripped of the vice-captaincy at Aston Villa.

The Argentina World Cup winner was widely expected to leave Villa Park in the summer window and even had an emotional farewell at the end of last season, hinting at a likely exit.

However, despite attracting interest from a number of clubs across the world, Martinez ended up staying put with the Midlands outfit as no suitable offers arrived.

The club moved to bring in a new goalkeeper in Marco Bizot, who has played five times in all competitions.

But Martinez has firmly established himself as Villa's No.1 in between the sticks once again, playing a total of 10 times - including eight in the Premier League.

He was in goal on Thursday night as Villa ran out 2-0 winners over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League. However, fans noticed that Martinez' role within the Villa squad has changed significantly.

Martinez has been stripped as Villa's second captain. Image: Getty

Captain John McGinn did not start on Thursday, instead coming off the bench in the 75th minute.

Ordinarily, Martinez would have taken the armband in his absence but that did not happen against Maccabi, with Ezri Konsa captaining the side for the victory.

After the game, Emery confirmed that Martinez is no longer the second captain and has dropped bellow Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Ollie Watkins in the pecking order.

"The first captain is John McGinn," Emery said after the win, as per Birmingham Live.

"We decided how we are, as well as managing the next captain.

"Usually, we have another captain, Emi Martinez, as second captain. But now, after speaking with him, I prefer to get him back.

"Konsa is the next one. Tyrone Mings, with Ollie Watkins too. Normally, we are managing it like that.".

Martinez kept a clean sheet in his 10th appearance of the season. Image: Getty

Martinez did not weigh in with his take on his effective demotion but he did take to social media to comment on a clean sheet and key victory for his side.

On Instagram, accompanied by a series of images from the game, the former Arsenal man wrote: "Win and a clean sheet after a hard defeat at the weekend! Now time to rest up and get ready for another big home game on Sunday".

Villa are back in action in the Premier League on Sunday, taking on high-flying Bournemouth in a 2pm kick-off.