Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has revealed that a painful international defeat sparked his desire to leave Aston Villa for Chelsea.
The 34-year-old completed a surprise £7.5m switch to west London late in the summer transfer window.
According to him, the World Cup final loss informed his decision to make the switch.
"It took me a while to think; losing the World Cup final hurt a lot," the goalkeeper admitted.
"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: "In the end, I have to represent my country, my family, and I have to do my best."
Martinez was also asked ahead of the game about international captain Lionel Messi, who recently played his farewell match. "Obviously, I tried to help as much as possible, and he knows that," Martinez said. "We always talk about it, and it was one of the greatest honours of my career to help him achieve what he desired most, because he is the greatest player in history."
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