Emi Martinez reveals why he's giving up the No. 1 shirt at Aston Villa and changing to 'really special number'

The World Cup winner has enjoyed another productive summer with Argentina, as he claimed a second Copa America crown. He helped the Albiceleste to global glory at Qatar 2022 and has been enhancing his reputation as a penalty-saving specialist.

Martinez was prevented from forming part of Argentina’s squad at the Olympic Games in Paris, but is raring to go ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season. He will be sporting a new jersey for that campaign, with the decision taken to trade No.1 for 23.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper has told Villa TV of why he is swapping squad numbers: “Well, it’s been, I think, four seasons with the number one. I won all the trophies with the national team with the number 23. [It’s’] the day my boy was born. I want to bring silverware to the fans, to Villa. I’m really superstitious to be fair, so changing to 23, it’s a really special number.”

Martinez has been with Villa since 2020, taking in over 150 appearances for the club. He contributed to a top-four finish being secured last season, meaning that Unai Emery’s side now have Champions League football on the agenda.