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'I stopped loving football' - Argentina & Villa ace Martinez reveals how loan decision saved his career

The 28-year-old received scant opportunities to shine with Arsenal and ultimately put his foot down after going out on yet another loan spell

Argentina and Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez admits he lost his love for football during his long years of inactivity at Arsenal, but finally turned the corner when he refused to let the club send him out on loan anymore.

Martinez, 28, became a hero for both club and country over the course of 2020-21, following up his fine debut season with Villa in the Premier League with a memorable Copa America campaign as he helped the Albiceleste take the title.