Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has revealed that he never wanted to move to Arsenal back in 2010.

The Argentinian joined the Gunners from Independiente as a youngster, making 30 appearances – as well as going out on loan to six different clubs – before leaving for Villa this time last year.

However, reflecting on his early career, he insists that he “didn’t want to go” to Arsenal.

“My family and my agents thought [that I should make the move],” he told Spanish newspaper El Pais (via the Mirror), adding that “the decision was made more for [my family] than anything else”.

Given how well Martinez has done since making the switch to Villa – he’s in the form of his life and stood out as one of the very best keepers in the Premier League last season – it feels like something of a strange, even bitter, revelation.

The 29-year-old is currently away on international duty with Argentina – for whom he finally made his debut in June, cementing his place as No 1 for their victorious Copa America campaign – but given these latest comments, one suspects he’s rather looking forward another trip away next month: Villa’s visit to the Emirates.