Emi Martinez can no long fulfil his ‘dream’ with Argentina after Aston Villa blocked his chance to win another medal.
It has been a busy few weeks for many of the Aston Villa squad. Many of Unai Emery’s stars have been out playing for their international sides at the Copa America and Euro 2024.
On top of this, Villa’s influence in the market has only increased as weeks went on. The Villains have already signed Lewis Dobbin with Ross Barkley, Samuel Iling-Junior, Enzo Barrenechea and Ian Maatsen expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
However, it now seems that in preparation for the 2024/25 season, Villa have refused to let one of their players depart against their wishes.
Martinez, who is currently away with Argentina at Copa America, was hopeful of being allowed to play at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. However, the Birmingham outfit have now made their decision not to let he go.
Aston Villa refuse to let Emi Martinez go for the 2024 Olympic Games
For the Olympics, Argetina were one of 16 men’s teams to qualify for the games. There is a restriction on who can be selected, with only three players over-23 allowed in the squad.
Set to take place between July 24 – August 10, it would mean that if Martinez was selected, he would miss all of Villa’s pre-season preparations.
As a result, TyC Sports has reported that Villa have made the decision not to allow Martinez leave for the tournament.
The Birmingham outfit can do this as the tournament is not organised by FIFA, therefore, it is up to the club on whether to let them go.
Martinez had previously expressed his desire to go to the Olympics after winning a World Cup, Copa America and Finallissima with his country.
He said: “It is a wish that I want to play in the Olympic Games, but it doesn’t just depend on me. The club has blocked me many times. I decided to play the Copa América and then make a decision. With the club, which did not let any player go, selection is not 100 percent given.
“I always put the Argentine National Team ahead and if I have to fight with the club, I will do it. The most important thing is the Copa América, then the Olympic Games. My dream is to win the gold.”
Read more: Key fixture dates for Villa’s 2024/25 season.
A poor decision from Aston Villa
While many will argue that you have to put the club first, it is wrong of Villa to keep a player against his wishes.
The Premier League does not kick off until August 17 meaning that the ‘keeper is solely missing pre-season and will be back before the end of the season.
To play and win a gold in the Olympics should not be devalued, for many footballers, it is a great honour to play at such a prestigious tournament.
It is also not a great look for Robin Olsen, Villa’s back-up ‘keeper. This is because the decision suggests that the club cannot go without the number one, even if it means Olsen has to start the first two games or so.
Hopefully, over the coming weeks Villa change their mind and let Martinez fulfill his dream of winning everything with his country.
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