Former Reading FC player and World Cup winner Emi Martinez spoke the importance of his experience in Berkshire on a loan spell with the Royals.
Having been shipped out on loan several times during his days at Arsenal, Martinez impressed with Reading and enjoyed an exceptional six-month stint which saw him help the club to secure Championship survival.
Following his spell at Reading, his career has gone from strength to strength.
He won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2020 before he moved to Aston Villa the next summer and established himself as the number one goalkeeper and is now highly regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Martinez has also made his mark with Argentina and helped them to win the World Cup in 2022 with some outstanding displays as Lionel Messi and co took the trophy.
Speaking on Ben Foster’s ‘Fozcast, Martinez said: “I went on loan a lot and played 18 games for Wolves, 14 for Sheffield Wednesday, a lot for Reading, and 12 games for Rotherham when they called me to stay up in the league.
“Those were victories and I learnt along the way. I went to Oxford for one game in League Two at 18.
“Every loan I had, I was successful.
“The only one I didn’t play well for was Getafe because they didn’t play me. That was the lowest point of my career.
“I lost faith but six months before I had signed a five year contract so where was I going to go? I had to go on loan again and that’s when I started with my psychologist because I wanted to go home, my time in England was over. It helped me through.
“My son was born before Reading so I promised to God it was my last ever loan and I kept my promise.”
Martinez has played 144 times in the Premier League and was a huge part as Unai Emery’s side finished in fourth position to qualify for the Champions League.
He also has 37 international caps for Argentina.
