Aston Villa has denied Argentina’s request to call up Emiliano Martinez for the Olympics this summer, but the goalkeeper is determined to challenge this decision. Martinez, who will be involved in the Copa America from June 20 to July 14, also wishes to play in the Olympics, scheduled for July 24 to August 10 in Paris.
The 2024-25 Premier League season kicks off on August 17, which would leave minimal rest for any player participating in both tournaments. Despite this, Martinez hopes to be one of the three overage players in Argentina’s otherwise under-23 Olympic squad, led by coach Javier Mascherano.
In an interview with TyC Sports, Martinez expressed his desire to represent his country. “I’ve had the possibility to speak with Marche (Mascherano), it is a wish that I want to play, but it doesn’t obviously just depend on myself. The club has blocked me from going lots of times before but I want to play Copa America and to have a little bit more of strength at the end of the Copa America to make a decision.”
Martinez acknowledged the club’s position but remains hopeful. “I know that I have to fight a little bit more with the club, it’s not 100 per cent done but from my part, it is a wish that I have, that I want to win the Olympics. It’s not obligatory for the club to let a player leave to play in the Olympics, I know that my club has not let any player go, they blocked everyone.”
Martinez, who played a crucial role in Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar, continues to prioritize national team duties. “A small chance [it will happen], but I always put the national team in front and if I have to fight a little more with the club, I will, but first is the Copa America. It’s very difficult to fight with the club now because for us, the most important is to win the Copa America. Then comes the Olympics, and it is a personal wish of mine and to win the trophy.”
Argentina is set to compete in the Copa America group stage against Peru, Chile, and Canada, and will face Morocco, Iraq, and Ukraine in the Olympics group stage.
