Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has described his move from Aston Villa to Premier League rivals Chelsea as an easy decision for him and his family.
Martinez joined Xabi Alonso’s team for a reported £7.5 million fee and he is expected to compete with Robert Sanchez for the number one shirt.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper is not new to London having previously played for Arsenal where he developed through the ranks and made his Premier League debut in November 2014.
EMILIANO MARTINEZ’S FIRST WORDS AFTER JOINING CHELSEA
After missing the first two Premier League matches of the season at Villa, Martinez has set his sights on helping Chelsea win titles.
He has been named in the starting XI for Chelsea’s home game against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
The Blues secured a hard-fought 3-2 win against Fulham in their opening fixture and they thumped Luton Town 2-0 in the Carabao Cup second round during the week.
Martinez told the club website: “I’m delighted to be at this football club. Coming to Chelsea, for me and my family, was an easy decision to make and I’m just over the moon - I can’t wait to get started.
“I want to be successful here. I'm someone who wants to win at everything I do and I want to bring that here to this football club because it’s a football club that wins titles, so I think it’s a good match.
“I’m all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100 per cent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud.”
WHAT MARTINEZ BRINGS TO CHELSEA SQUAD
The former Arsenal goalkeeper is renowned as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, having won back-to-back Yasin Trophy for the Best Goalkeeper at the 2023 and 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremonies.
He also played a key role with crucial penalty saves in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup, and he recently won the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League title with Aston Villa.
In addition to his experience, Martinez arrives at Stamford Bridge with a winning mentality as Alonso continues his ambition to build a formidable squad that has hopes of challenging for the Premier League title and European football next season.
MARTINEZ TO WEAR JOHN TERRY’S ICONIC NO.26 SHIRT
Martinez recently wore the number 23 shirt at Aston Villa but it’s already taken at Chelsea by Moises Caicedo while Sanchez currently wears the number 1.
For his new shirt at Stamford Bridge, the Argentine star contacted club legend John Terry whom he previously worked with at Aston Villa.
Terry confirmed in a social media video that he spoke with Martinez about his intention to take the shirt because of his love for clean sheets.
Terry made over 700 appearances for Chelsea, winning five Premier League titles. He is regarded as one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history.
