Emiliano Martinez Says Chelsea Move Helped Ease World Cup Final Pain

Emiliano Martinez has said his move to Chelsea gave him the mental reset he needed after Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup final defeat by Spain in the United States, a loss he described as deeply painful despite the team’s run to the final, which included eliminating England.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper joined the Stamford Bridge club from Aston Villa for £7.5m late in the summer window after Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso acted following an uncertain Premier League-opening display from Robert Sanchez. Martinez was installed immediately as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Sanchez later completing a loan move to Como in Italy.

Martinez had enjoyed a successful spell at Villa Park, including a Europa League triumph, but the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup prompted him to pursue a fresh start away from the Midlands. Speaking before Argentina’s friendly against Benin, he said changing clubs had helped him regain confidence and focus.

“It took me a while to think; losing the World Cup final hurt a lot,” Martinez said. “I tried changing clubs to mentally refresh myself, and I succeeded. I came here to Chelsea, and it was the best thing I did because I feel useful, fast, and good.”

He added that the responsibility of representing Argentina remained central to his thinking, saying he must do his best for his country and his family.

Martinez then played in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Benin early on Wednesday, in a fixture that formed part of Lionel Messi’s international farewell. Messi scored from the penalty spot as he prepared to conclude his Argentina career.

The goalkeeper paid tribute to his captain, saying it had been one of the greatest honours of his career to help Messi achieve the success he had wanted most. Martinez said the pair had regularly discussed their shared international journey and called Messi the greatest player in football history.

Argentina will now have to adjust to life without their long-standing captain. Martinez accepted that Messi’s departure would leave “a massive void”, although he believes there are players in the squad with the personality to take on greater responsibility.

His immediate club challenge is equally demanding. Chelsea have conceded more Premier League goals than any other side this season and will return from a three-week domestic break against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Martinez expected to continue as Alonso’s number one.