‘I won’t stop until I’m Arsenal No 1'

There’s no doubt that Emi Martinez has had to be patient since joining us in 2010.

The goalkeeper has spent four loan spells away from the club in that time but, having made three appearances in the EFL Cup this season, is still confident of realising his dream: becoming our No 1.

• Emi Martinez signs new contract
• Emi - This is such a big step for me
• 'We all know what Emi is capable of'

“You expect to be in the squad at the end of the week and I’m not, so that’s why I have to do something about it,” he told Arsenal Player. “The chance will come so I need to be ready.

“I’ve always been positive. When I came here, I had eight goalkeepers in front of me and that’s when I thought, ’It’s going to be a long journey’. Year by year I’ve been growing, getting bigger, more powerful and so I thought, ‘Why not?’.

“I always believe in myself. I was a big player at my former club in Argentina so I can be a big player here. I believe in that and I won’t stop until I’m the Arsenal No 1.

“Arsenal is like a family. It’s my club and I’ve been here for seven years so it feels like home. I’m here early for breakfast and I’m one of the last to leave. I really enjoy it here so that’s the reason why I have to be positive.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of. One of the best things in the world is to play for a big club. It’s every kid’s dream so I’ve just got to enjoy the fact that I’m playing for a big club.”