You often hear in football that players (and some cases managers) don’t buy into their new football clubs, the community and the culture. Without naming names, Aston Villa have had their fair share of these kinds of players (and managers) in my lifetime.
September 20, 2020, Aston Villa completed the signing of Argentine goalkeeper Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero from Arsenal in a deal worth around £20 million on a four-year deal.
‘Dibu’ made no secrets when he joined Villa and his ambitions. He wanted to make Aston Villa successful and break into his international side and win trophies with his country.
Fast forward four years and Aston Villa announced that Dibu had committed his future to the club until 2029.
In his first season with Aston Villa, the goalkeeper won the Supporters Player of the Season and equalled Brad Friedal’s clean sheet record of 15. He has since gone on to break that record and become the club’s vice-captain. The 31-year-old achieved one dream with the club last season when he helped them qualify for the Champions League.
Another dream he achieved was winning two Copa America and a World Cup with Argentina.
His next ambition? Win a trophy with Aston Villa and would you want to bet against him?
One thing I know is that Emi has embraced our community and football club and taken us into his heart. In turn, he has become an Aston Villa fan favourite and will potentially go down as an all-time great by the time he hangs his gloves up.
Thank you Emi, I cant wait for the next five years with you at Aston Villa.
