Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez admits he's excited about the club's potential.

Martinez was the hero as Villa defeated Lille in a penalty shootout in last night's Europa Conference League quarterfinal.

"It's been a hell of a ride all of my career," Martinez told TNT Sports after full-time. "I'm a believer and a hard worker. It was my destiny to win here again.

"I have a reputation for time-wasting because the other goalkeeper was doing the same thing. I got booked in the first half even though we were losing the game, so I don't know what the ref wants from me. Then, there was no ball on the penalty spot, so I was asking for a ball from the ball boy, and then I get booked - I don't understand the rules.

"I always say that all my career and my personal performances, my team needs me in those moments. Yesterday we watched Real Madrid vs Man City, the manager has always said maybe we can go to penalties and in my head in those moments I own my box.

"This group of players and the manager is really special. The owners are really involved as well, Wes and Nassef, they are really behind us. It feels like we're going to do something special. I don't know if it is the Champions League or the Conference League, but we will do everything we can for this football club."

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump

Want more news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.