Emiliano Martinez Talks Ahead of UEFA Europa League Final

Aston Villa's veteran goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez spoke at a press conference ahead of the UEFA Europa League final against Freiburg at Beşiktaş Park.

UEFA Europa League final will see English club Aston Villa face German team Freiburg at Beşiktaş Park tomorrow at 10:00 PM. Ahead of the match, Aston Villa's 33-year-old Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez addressed the press.

Reflecting on the differences between Copa America and the UEFA Europa League, Martinez said, "I played my first Copa America final with Argentina. In my first Copa America, I lifted the trophy with Argentina at the age of 26-27. This is the same. As an Aston Villa fan, I've never seen Villa lift the trophy. I'll step onto the field with the same mindset and confidence in myself. We're trying to savor the moment. I'm doing this for my fans and family."

Martinez, who expressed that he and his team have analyzed Freiburg well, added, "We've analyzed all the teams. I'm used to being blocked by two defenders. I actually enjoy it. Tomorrow, I'll be aggressive with the weather balls. I'll defend the penalty area. I believe if I control the penalty area, we can avoid danger."

Martinez, who mentioned that he was sad when he left Argentina for England, said, "I had tears in my eyes when I left my family behind. Football changes, coaches come and go, people change. My love and respect for the club are endless. I've achieved many successes with Aston Villa. I've won the Golden Glove. We've reached the final. There have been downs and ups. We were one of the teams with the lowest budget in the Premier League. Our coach is good, our captain is good. When we all fight together, we can defeat everyone. I need to work more on penalties. I hope we'll finish this job in 90 minutes as our captain says."

Martinez emphasized that they have earned their place in the final, saying, "We've been together since I joined this club. We've played many matches. We've reached the final. I think we deserve it. Our fans deserve it. Our coach has been to five finals. He'll bring us to the final tomorrow. I'm not thinking too much about the result. I'm thinking about where I am. During the match, I remember the past. I remember everything I lived with the national team."