Martinez - Argentina call-up is a dream come true

Two games, two clean sheets and a call-up to his national team: it has been some start to the season for Emi Martinez.

Our goalkeeper is in a direct fight with Bernd Leno to be our No 1, and was recently named in the Argentina squad for their games against Germany and Ecuador.

 

“It's a dream come true,” Martinez said. “As a young kid, I always wanted to play for the national team. We've got two big games to play now, preparing for the Copa America next year.

 

“I’m more than ready to play for the national team now. I'm getting more minutes so my confidence is really high right now. I'm delighted with the call-up.

 

“Since I signed for this club, my goal was always to be the No 1. I've been here for almost 10 years and I came as a young boy, now I'm a grown man.

 

“I’ve been on some good loans and bad loans, but at the end of the day my work ethic and commitment has always been focused on being the No 1 for Arsenal and Argentina. That's the dream. I said to my dad that I'm going to do it and I won't stop until I'm No 1 for Argentina.

 

“If you want to be No 1 at Arsenal, you have to believe in yourself no matter what. I believe in my talent and I believe in my work. I have been lucky to have really good goalkeeper coaches. Gerry Peyton really helped me, and Sal and Javi have taken me to another level to be honest. I'm grateful but my goals are much higher than that.”