“The following morning I texted Mikel and told him. I thanked him, I said I won these trophies because of the way he trained, the way he changed the team," Emiliano Martinez told the Independent when asked about the day he made the final decision to part ways with Arsenal.
"I trust his process so much, he is incredible. [When he was a player], I always thought he was different. It’s like with Messi, I don’t see him as a top player, I see him as a top coach.
"He’s got so much to prove and I wish him all the best. I will always love everyone at Arsenal, I will always be grateful, but it was time to say goodbye."
Emiliano Martinez was one of Arsenal's heroes last summer. He stepped in for Leno after he picked up an injury, and had several wonderful performances, including against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
The Argentine won two trophies with the Gunners after spending 10 years away on loans or as a second- or third-choice goalie.
He then decided to leave the Emirates for Aston Villa as Mikel Arteta could not guarantee him a place in the first team ahead of Leno.
