Unai Emery attempted to sweep aside any issues with Emiliano Martinez by insisting again that the Aston Villa goalkeeper is the world’s No1.
The Argentina goalkeeper was keen to leave Villa throughout the summer and was left out of the 3-0 home defeat by Crystal Palace on August 31, amid interest from Manchester United.
United decided instead to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens and Martinez stayed where he is.
If there is any lingering tension, Emery did his best to dismiss it ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Everton, where Villa will look for their first win and first goal of the season.
‘Emiliano Martinez staying is good news,’ he said. ‘I’m so happy. For me he is the best goalkeeper in the world and his commitment to Aston Villa is massive.
‘He is always training at his best and trying to send good messages. He respects Aston Villa and that is not changing.
A tearful Martinez appeared to say goodbye to fans after the final home game of last season
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Emery is weighing up which of his new signings will feature against Everton on Saturday
‘Emiliano is happy again and now he knows the challenges he has ahead with Villa and his national team. Some circumstances happened but now everyone is happy. Today the energy was very good.’
Emery may give debuts to at least one of his three signings from deadline day, when Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho joined on loan and Victor Lindelof arrived on a free transfer.
He added: ‘Sancho will need time physically and so will Lindelof but they are in the squad for tomorrow. Elliott has trained normally and is fit.’
