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Manchester City

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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Argentine is a World Cup winner</li><li>Has claimed two Copa America crowns</li><li>Wants to land silverware at club level</li></ul>

Emi Martinez reveals why he's giving up the No. 1 shirt at Aston Villa and changing to 'really special number'

World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL

Argentina

Peru

Premier League

Aston Villa

Crystal Palace

The World Cup winner has enjoyed another productive summer with Argentina, as he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/emi-martinez-swaps-lewd-love-golden-glove-celebration-argentina-goalkeeper-relax-trophy-warning-rivals-copa-america/blt6b4318d3db530afb" target="_blank">claimed a second Copa America crown</a>. He helped the Albiceleste to global glory at Qatar 2022 and has been <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/terrible-personality-emi-martinez-argentina-team-mate-jokes-world-cup-winning-goalkeeper-changed-penalty-shootout-hero/bltc9c01d76d4b5b807" target="_blank">enhancing his reputation as a penalty-saving specialist</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Martinez was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/want-to-go-emi-martinez-ready-fight-aston-villa-world-cup-winner-argentina-dream/blt39c47788ee0747e0" target="_blank">prevented from forming part of Argentina’s squad at the Olympic Games</a> in Paris, but is raring to go ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season. He will be sporting a new jersey for that campaign, with the decision taken to trade No.1 for 23.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 31-year-old goalkeeper has told <a href="https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1823772544664784917" target="_blank">Villa TV</a> of why he is swapping squad numbers: “Well, it’s been, I think, four seasons with the number one. I won all the trophies with the national team with the number 23. [It’s’] the day my boy was born. I want to bring silverware to the fans, to Villa. I’m really superstitious to be fair, so changing to 23, it’s a really special number.”

WHAT MARTINEZ SAID

Martinez has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/emiliano-martinez-on-par-lionel-messi-easy-transfer-option-aston-villa/blta984ef2c481c3c29" target="_blank">been with Villa since 2020</a>, taking in over 150 appearances for the club. He contributed to a top-four finish being secured last season, meaning that Unai Emery’s side now have Champions League football on the agenda.

WHAT NEXT?

Emi Martinez reveals why he's giving up the No. 1 shirt at Aston Villa and changing to 'really special number' | Goal.com Australia

Emi Martinez has revealed why he is giving up the No.1 shirt at Aston Villa and taking on a “really special number” that means so much to him.

Emi Martinez reveals why he&apos;s giving up the No. 1 shirt at Aston Villa and changing to &apos;really special number&apos;