Chelsea have officially signed Emiliano Martinez, with both sides agreeing to a three-year contract.

Chelsea have officially announced the signing of Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The 33-year-old Argentine international will leave Aston Villa to join Chelsea on a three-year contract. Martinez, who won the 2022 Qatar World Cup with Argentina, marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career with this move.  

Emiliano Martinez's professional career began in the youth academy of Independiente in Argentina. In August 2010, at just 17 years old, he moved to England to join Arsenal's youth system. He was subsequently loaned out several times, gradually gaining experience through playing for different clubs. In the 2019/20 season, Emiliano Martinez finally received more opportunities at Arsenal and became a key member of the team in its later stages. He started all 11 of the final matches that season and ultimately helped the team lift the FA Cup trophy.  

At the start of the 2020/21 season, Emiliano Martinez helped Arsenal win another title, including the Community Shield. He then officially transferred to Aston Villa in September 2020, beginning a significant phase of his career in Birmingham. During his six seasons with Aston Villa, he gradually established himself as one of the world's top goalkeepers, making 256 appearances for the club. This May, Emiliano Martinez helped Aston Villa win the Europa League, adding another important honor to his Villa career.  

Emiliano Martínez made his debut for the Argentine national team in June 2021 and quickly earned a starting position thanks to his consistent performances. Since then, he has been a key player in the Argentine national team's goalkeeping position, and has made a total of 67 appearances for the national team.  

Emiliano Martínez amassed an impressive array of honors during his time with the Argentine national team. He helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, and led the team to victory in the 2022 World Cup. His consistently outstanding performances at both the national team and club levels in recent years earned him the Yashin Trophy for two consecutive years, and he also received the Ballon d'Or in 2023 and 2024, establishing himself as one of the most outstanding goalkeepers in football at the time.  

Speaking about joining Chelsea, Emiliano Martinez expressed his joy, saying, "I'm very happy to be a part of this club. The decision wasn't difficult for me or my family. Now I'm excited about the new challenges and hope to start my new journey at Chelsea as soon as possible."  

“I’ve always been a very competitive person. No matter what competition I’m in, I always aim to win. I hope to bring that competitive spirit and desire to win to Chelsea. This is a team that has the ability to compete for the title, so I believe that my goals are very much in line with the club’s goals.”  

“I have always been a passionate player. Once I step onto the pitch, I give it my all. Whether it’s an official match or daily training, I maintain the highest level of commitment and do my best to help the team. I hope to earn the recognition and pride of the club, my teammates, and the fans through my performance.”  

"From the first day I became a professional player, I hoped to change my family's life through football, to give them better conditions, and to help them escape poverty. This belief has sustained me all the way to where I am today. No matter how much I have achieved or how high I have reached, I will never be satisfied. I always hope to continue to pursue more."  

“I hope my experiences and achievements will make my family proud. Now that I am a father myself, I hope even more that my children can understand from my experience that any success requires effort and that nothing is taken for granted or can be obtained easily.”  

Image source: Internet/Chelsea official website