RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 5 sourcesChelsea have completed the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa, adding a World Cup-winning and two-time Yashin Trophy winner to Xabi Alonso’s squad just a day before the transfer deadline.The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the London club and is expected to take over the starting goalkeeper spot after Robert Sanchez again came under scrutiny following Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham.Martinez arrives at Stamford Bridge with a decorated international résumé. He has been Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper since 2021 and has earned 67 caps, playing a key role in the country’s successes at the Copa America in 2021 and 2024 and their 2022 World Cup triumph.The goalkeeper was also named the world’s best-performing goalkeeper at the 2023 and 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremonies, winning the prestigious Yashin Trophy on both occasions.‘I want to be successful here’Martinez said joining Chelsea was an easy decision for both him and his family, while making clear that his ambition is to win trophies with his new club.“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,” Martinez said.“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.”The Argentine also promised to bring his trademark intensity to Chelsea.“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,” he added.Martinez brings winning pedigreeMartinez spent six seasons at Aston Villa and made 256 appearances for the club, helping them win the Europa League in May. Villa’s decision to sign Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma earlier this month paved the way for Martinez’s departure.His rise to becoming one of the world’s elite goalkeepers came after a long journey. Martinez joined Arsenal from Independiente as a 17-year-old in 2010 and spent several seasons on loan before establishing himself during the 2019-20 season.He started Arsenal’s final 11 matches of that campaign and helped them win the FA Cup before moving to Aston Villa.His international career transformed his status. Martinez made his Argentina debut in 2021 and soon became a key figure in their golden generation. He won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, earning the Golden Glove after playing a decisive role in Argentina’s dramatic final victory over France.Chelsea will now hope that the experienced goalkeeper can bring the same consistency, personality and big-game pedigree to their defence as they look to challenge for major honours under Alonso.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
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