World Cup star Emiliano Martinez sends message to Aston Villa fans after draw with Wolves

Emiliano Martinez has sent a message to Aston Villa’s supporters after his first appearance for the club since Argentina’s World Cup win in Qatar.

Martinez was on the bench for Villa’s 2-0 win away at Tottenham on Sunday (1 January), but he made his first start for the club in Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Woves at Villa Park.

Wolves controlled possession in the opening stages of the game and earned themselves a deserved early lead through Daniel Podence’s brilliant strike. It was a tight and difficult contest, but Villa equalised late on through Danny Ings’ strike in the 78th minute.

Leon Bailey had a golden opportunity to win it at the death as he rounded Jose Sa but his effort was scuffed, meaning Unai Emery’s side had to settle for a point.

Martinez made his first appearance for Villa since his heroics against France in the World Cup final last month. He couldn’t do much for Wolves’ opener but made plenty of decent stops to keep his side in the game.

Before kick-off, the Argentine received a standing ovation from Villa’s supporters as he showed off his World Cup winners’ medal and Golden Glove trophy to the Villa Park faithful.

Following the game, Martinez thanked the Villa fans in a post on Instagram.

He wrote: “Thank you so much to all the fans, the staff and my teammates for the incredible reception at Villa Park. It really means a lot. We couldn’t get the win but we keep going.”