Former Arsenal Star Emiliano Martínez Stripped of Aston Villa Vice-Captaincy Ahead of Bournemouth Clash

Former Arsenal goalie Emiliano Martínez has been stripped of his vice‑captaincy role at Aston Villa F.C., as manager Unai Emery confirmed the change in the club’s leadership group.

Martínez, who had served as deputy to skipper John McGinn since July 2022, will now solely focus on his first‑team duties.

Emery explained the decision:

“The first captain is John McGinn. We decided how we are, as well as managing the next captain. Usually, we have another captain, Emi Martínez, as second captain. But now, after speaking with him, I prefer to get him back. Konsa is the next one. Tyrone Mings, with Ollie Watkins too. Normally, we are managing it like that.”

The adjustment comes ahead of Aston Villa’s upcoming Premier League fixture this weekend: the club will host AFC Bournemouth at Villa Park. 

Despite the change in the leadership structure, Martínez remains the club’s first‑choice goalkeeper and continues under contract at Aston Villa until 2029.