Olympic dream over! Emi Martinez denied chance to complete gold medal collection as Aston Villa prevent World Cup winner from joining Argentina’s squad for Paris Games

The 31-year-old goalkeeper had aired his desire to form part of Javier Mascherano’s plans for an international event in France. He did, however, concede that any decision on his involvement would be left in the hands of Premier League employers.

According to TyC Sports, Villa have decided that Martinez will not be released for Olympic duty. He is already at the Copa America with his country and the Villans want him back in their ranks for pre-season – with the new campaign in England set to get underway on August 17, eight days after the football tournament final in Paris.

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Martinez had stated that it was his “dream to wear the gold” of an Olympic medal, having already savoured World Cup, Copa America and Finalissima glory with Argentina. He will be denied the chance to complete that collection in 2024.

As things stand, with three players over the age of 23 allowed to be selected for the Olympic Games, Argentina have seen green lights given by Manchester City and Benfica for Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi to join Mascherano’s squad. Ajax star Geronimo Rulli is now their preferred choice to fill the first-choice goalkeeper spot.