Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said losing the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain left him hurting and prompted him to seek a change of scenery at club level.
The 34-year-old ended his six-year spell at Aston Villa to join Premier League rivals Chelsea on a three-year deal this August.
Martinez played every minute of Argentina's games at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and he was also Argentina's starting goalkeeper throughout their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
He has adapted quickly to life at Stamford Bridge, playing in all four Premier League games for Xabi Alonso's team since his arrival.
Martinez said, per ESPN Argentina: "It was tough after losing a World Cup final; the pain stayed with me for a long time.
"I need a change of scenery at my club to get over the pain I felt after the final."
Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, with Ferran Torres' 106th-minute goal separating the two teams in New York after 120 minutes of football.
Emiliano Martinez Says Lionel Messi Leaves a Huge Void for Argentina
Martinez played from start to finish as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in Lionel Messi's farewell international appearance.
The Chelsea goalkeeper kept a clean sheet as goals from Nicolas Otamendi, Nico Paz and Messi powered the Albiceleste to a 3-0 victory.
Martinez described Messi as the best player in the history of the sport and he summed up his role in helping the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner lift the World Cup in 2022.
He added: "Obviously, I tried to help as much as possible, and he knows it.
"We always talk about it, and it was one of the greatest honours of my career to help him achieve what he most desired because he is the best player in history.
"He leaves a huge void, but there are some young guys with character."
Can Emiliano Martinez Bring His Argentina Form to Chelsea?
During the September international window, Martinez played three matches for Argentina and did not concede any goal against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.
Martinez's improved form while on international duty would come as a relief for Chelsea who have conceded at least two goals in their last four Premier League games.
Xabi Alonso's team currently hold the record for the most goals conceded in the English top-flight this season, with 12 goals conceded in five matches.
Martinez is expected to start when Chelsea host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as they look for their first Premier League clean sheet of the season.
