Argentina Under 17 international Damián Martínez has spoken for the first time since becoming an Arsenal player in the summer. However, Martínez will remain with parent club Independiente, who co-own the ‘keeper, until he is 18.
Arsenal have paid around $1 million dollars for 70% ownership of Damián while Independiente will hold the remaining 30%. They have given up all rights over the player yet will command 30% of any potential sell on fee. The Gunners will pay a further $1 million should the promising goalkeeper achieve certain targets set within his contract.
After impressing during a national team fixture against Chile, Steve Rowley recommended that the club take a closer look at ‘Dibu’s’ blossoming talent. Goalkeeping coach Miguel Angel Santoro accompanied Damián and his family to London for a trial and the coaching staff were instantly impressed. South American executive Richard Law thrashed out a deal after prolonged talks – the club were determined to make sure the prospect was London bound.
Speaking to Argentine publication Rojo News, the confident stopper is open-minded about the switch while admitting that it is an ‘important’ move.
“This is going to serve as experience whatever happens, good or bad. Everything will be important for my future so I am not nervous or anything.”
When quizzed on how his English is coming along, the River-Plate born youngster confirmed he has not learnt anything yet, but with time on his side, he’s optimistic it will come along nicely.
“With the English language, I’m quite bad, but everything can be sorted. I imagine I have lots of time to do it, so I’ll be able to learn English.”
At 190cm, Martínez is a towering prospect. Quick, agile and a dominant and decisive ‘keeper, all the coaching staff at Arsenal are very confident that their latest South American acquisition will be a real star for the future.
Article By – J.Sanderson
