New Delhi, 30 August (H.S.):

English football club Chelsea have announced the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on a three-year contract. The 33-year-old goalkeeper joins Chelsea after spending six seasons with Aston Villa, where he made 256 appearances for the club.

Martinez enjoyed an impressive spell at Aston Villa and played a key role in the club’s successful campaign last season, including their UEFA Europa League title triumph. He will now bolster Chelsea’s goalkeeping department.

After completing his move to Chelsea, Martinez said in a statement released by the club on Sunday, “I am very happy to join this football club. Coming to Chelsea was an easy decision for me and my family. I am very excited and cannot wait to get started as soon as possible.”

He added, “I want to be successful here. I am someone who wants to win in everything I do, and I want to bring that mentality to this football club because this is a club that wins trophies. I think it is a great match.”

Speaking about his passion for the game, Martinez said, “I play with a lot of passion and with my heart. I will give 100 per cent in every match and every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud.”

Martinez began his youth career with Independiente before joining Arsenal in August 2010 at the age of 17. He established himself as a regular first-team player at Arsenal during the 2019-20 season before moving to Aston Villa in September 2020.

During his six seasons at Villa, Martinez established himself as one of the leading goalkeepers in world football and made 256 appearances for the club.

Martinez made his international debut for Argentina in June 2021 and subsequently became the national team’s first-choice goalkeeper. He has made 67 appearances for Argentina so far.

Among the biggest achievements of his international career are Argentina’s Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024, as well as their FIFA World Cup victory in 2022.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar