'I'm going to do it with pride' - Emiliano Martinez reveals John Terry's blessing after taking iconic Chelsea No.26

Emiliano Martinez has completed a transfer to Chelsea from Aston Villa in a deal, signing a three-year contract and to wear the iconic No. 26 shirt.

A Swift Goalkeeping Move to West London

The transfer moved at a remarkable pace, catching observers by surprise after earlier indications that Chelsea officials were satisfied with their current goalkeeping options. Concerns over recent performances prompted the club to secure the Argentina international in a deal from Aston Villa. The 33-year-old goalkeeper signed a three-year contract with the Blues, describing the transition as a dream come true after nearly two decades playing in English football.

“It’s incredible. It’s been an amazing few days. Obviously, it happened really quickly, but I’m delighted to be at this football club. I’ve been in England for nearly 17 years and to play for Chelsea is a dream for me.”

Emiliano Martinez, via Sports Yahoo

Having started his professional path in the youth system of Independiente, Martinez moved to Arsenal in August 2010 at age 17. Following multiple loan spells, he broke through as a regular starter during the 2019-20 campaign under Mikel Arteta, securing an FA Cup victory before capturing the Community Shield and transferring to Aston Villa in September 2020.

Carrying the Legacy of the No. 26 Shirt

Squad numbers often serve as administrative formalities, but the No. 26 carries heavy historical weight at Chelsea. Synonymous with legendary former captain John Terry—who wore the digit throughout his trophy-laden career in West London—the shirt has rarely been assigned since Terry’s departure in 2017. Kalidou Koulibaly and Levi Colwill briefly occupied the number in recent years, but Martinez sought direct clearance from Terry before claiming the iconic jersey.

The Argentine reached out to Terry, with whom he previously worked during the defender’s coaching stint at Aston Villa, to ensure his choice was viewed as a tribute rather than disrespect toward the club icon.

“John was someone I spoke to before I joined, and he said he was over the moon to have me here. From our time together at Aston Villa, he knows how hard I work and what I can bring to Chelsea. The morning I signed, I texted him and said, ‘I’m wearing your shirt, and I’m going to do it with pride’.”

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Emiliano Martinez, via Sports Yahoo

A Proven Winner Joins a Title-Chasing Squad

During six seasons in the Midlands, Martinez established himself among the world’s leading goalkeepers, making 256 appearances for Villa and lifting the UEFA Europa League in May. On the international stage, he earned his first Argentina cap in June 2021 and quickly cemented his status as La Albiceleste’s undisputed first choice across 67 appearances. His resume includes back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 alongside the 2022 World Cup crown in Qatar.

Those international triumphs yielded consecutive Yashin Trophy awards—bestowed upon the world’s best-performing goalkeeper—at the 2023 and 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremonies. Upon arriving at his new home, the veteran outlined ambitions that align directly with the club’s historic identity.

“I want to be successful here. I’m someone who wants to win at everything I do and I want to bring that here to this football club because it’s a football club that wins titles, so I think it’s a good match. I’m all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100 per cent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud.”

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Emiliano Martinez, via Chelsea Football Club

Immediate Pitch Action and Squad Competition

Martinez did not have to wait long for his baptism under fire in West London. Thrust immediately into the starting lineup for a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton, the veteran produced several vital saves to preserve the three points despite conceding three goals. While Robert Sanchez currently retains the primary goalkeeper jersey, the acquisition injects immediate competition into the dressing room as Chelsea navigates a demanding fixture schedule.