And he has built quite the CV: a FIFA World Cup, two Copa Americas, two FIFA Best Goalkeeper of the Year awards, a UEFA Europa League and an FA Cup. That only scratches the surface, too. There’s no shortage of experience.

But behind the trophies and accolades is something much deeper. His relentless desire to win and hunger to keep pushing for more can be traced back to his childhood and the sacrifices his parents made to help him chase his dream.

He has never forgotten their efforts. And now, as he joins us at Cobham wearing a Chelsea shirt for the first time, he’s more than ready for his next chapter.

‘I like to think about the past,’ Martinez says. ‘I like to see where I’ve come from. It reminds me of the tireless work from my family and me. That's my style. That's how I approach life.

‘I helped my family come from poverty into the life that we have now. My mum and dad worked 15 hours a day to give me this opportunity, and they helped inspire me. Everything today is for them.

‘Chelsea are one of the best clubs in the world, not just in England. I'm super excited and I wanted that challenge.

‘I attach my life to football. I live for football. I sleep for football. All I care about is having a good family and winning football matches, and now I get to do that for Chelsea.’

That relentless desire for success is something Martinez, who made his debut in our 4-3 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion, believes makes him and the Blues the perfect match.

‘Chelsea and I have a winning mentality,’ he continues. ‘I think we connect in that sense. It’s all about winning. Win or nothing, and I have won everything as an international and as an individual goalkeeper.

‘I’ve been in England for nearly 17 years and now, for me, it's about winning the Premier League. That’s what is missing in my beautiful career. I have come to a club where winning is a priority. And for me, trophies are such a priority. It’s the perfect match.’

The 33-year-old’s role at Chelsea will extend beyond simply keeping the ball out of the net and winning football matches.

Having built a reputation as a goalkeeper whose personality and presence can have a significant influence on those in front of him, he wants everyone around him to feel that same confidence from the moment they step onto the pitch.

He explains: ‘I want my team-mates to look back and feel, "Oh, Emi's there". I want them to trust me. I want to give them that peace from the back so they can play free. My role is to help them as much as I can. I want to protect them.

‘When you see the Chelsea squad and the size of the club, it just speaks for itself. We’ve got wonderful talent up front, wonderful players at the club, experienced players. So that mix can really help us move forward as a club.’

Martinez is the second player to have swapped Villa Park for Stamford Bridge this summer. Morgan Rogers joined the Blues earlier in the transfer window and the Argentine is looking forward to reuniting with the England international in the Blues dressing room.

‘It’s great to see the likes of Morgan [Rogers] again,’ Martinez smiles. ‘He's such a brilliant talent that I saw coming through from Middlesbrough to Aston Villa. He’s developed so much in his game. And for me, he's the best English forward alongside Cole (Palmer) – the best two English players.’

Martinez has already enjoyed his first experience of Stamford Bridge and the atmosphere created by the Chelsea faithful. Yet there will be much more to come in the months ahead, and he is looking forward to delivering for the Blues supporters.

‘I'm going to give 100 per cent for Chelsea with pride,’ he says. ‘I’m going to try and win games, keep clean sheets, and get Stamford Bridge rocking.

‘It's a huge club, and I won't be happy with draws or losing, so I think I’ll have a connection with the fans. All I want to do is win games.’