“I still speak with him despite leaving Arsenal, he’s an amazing guy and i don’t even understand why Arsenal will chase such a player like him out of the club”- Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has come out to challenge Mikel Arteta for selling £20M player who he still speaks with every day

Gabriel Martinelli says he still speaks with ‘amazing’ player Arsenal sold for £20m

Gabriel Martinelli has lauded Emiliano Martinez and said that he remains in contact with the goalkeeper following his move from Arsenal to Aston Villa.

The 31-year-old is unquestionably a world-class goalkeeper – having helped his country win the Copa America and the World Cup. But Martinez is also very much known for some of his antics on the pitch.

Even at the weekend, Emiliano Martinez was involved in a clash with Neal Maupay which bordered on the comical as Aston Villa beat Brentford.

Gabriel Martinelli lauds former Arsenal teammate Emiliano Martinez

But away from the pitch, the Argentinian appears to be an outstanding character. And he is clearly someone Gabriel Martinelli has a huge amount of respect for.

Martinelli was speaking to Arsenal’s official website about the start of his career at the Emirates and those who helped him settle in North London. And Martinez was definitely one of those who had a massive impact.

“I became really close with Emi Martinez. He was so important and so helpful. He tried to help me with the language – he was always next to me, helping me with everything. He was the main man here for me at that time,” he said.

“In my first year at the club, we spent New Year’s Eve together. I went to his house with my family. Honestly, he was amazing for me and I’m really thankful. I’m still in contact with him now and he’s someone I’ll always keep in my heart.”

Gunners may wonder what might have been

It would be fascinating to know what would have happened if Mikel Arteta had come to another decision in the 2020 summer transfer window. 

Martinez went into that window having enjoyed an outstanding run in the Arsenal side. He certainly capitalised on Bernd Leno sustaining a serious injury after the resumption of the season.

Martinez, of course, helped the Gunners win the FA Cup that year. So it appeared that Arteta had a genuinely difficult decision to make. 

Ultimately, Leno started the following campaign as number one. And that led to Martinez joining Aston Villa for £20 Million

Arsenal have not exactly suffered because of that decision. Leno was excellent. And Aaron Ramsdale came so close to becoming a title-winning goalkeeper last season. 

David Raya still have a point to prove. But Arsenal are back at the summit of the table.

However, Arsenal fans would be forgiven for wondering what would have happened had Martinez ended up staying given what he has gone on to achieve since.