Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez has been handed a call-up to the Argentina squad.
Argentina boss Lionel Sebastian Scaloni has selected Martinez for the upcoming October internationals against Germany and Ecuador.
The 27-year-old is currently second choice behind Bernd Leno in the Arsenal pecking order, but has performed well when called upon in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
Martinez admitted he had offers to leave the Emirates in the summer, but chose to stay after being given assurances about his playing time.
Speaking to the Arsenal En América podcast, he said, “I had a great season on loan at Reading and had offers to leave Arsenal. I wanted to play, it was going to be my priority.
“After nine years without much rhythm I wanted to leave, but I got the news that I was going to play more games and I decided to stay to try to be number 1.
“I am very prepared. If I didn’t believe myself capable of taking that position, I wouldn’t have stayed.
“Last year Petr Cech began as a starter and Bernd Leno played in the cups. But this year Leno starts number 1 and I’m going to play in those competitions.
“We both play very well with our feet. Our coach tells everyone that we are one more player and told us that we are one of the best keepers who play with the feet he had, that it’s very important for his game system.
“Leno has more professional matches than me, but in qualities I am equal to or better than him.”
And judging by the reaction on social media, some Arsenal fans agree with him when it comes to who deserves to be number one.
One Gunners supporter even went as far as criticising Manchester United's Sergio Romero, who was previously the Argentina number one, before being dropped from the Copa America squad in the summer.
