Premier League: Arsenal's Damian Martinez improving all the time in England

Damian Martinez is convinced that he made the right choice in joining Arsenal, with English football making him a better player.

The Argentine goalkeeper left his homeland for north London in 2010, as he joined the academy ranks at Emirates Stadium.

Now 22 years of age, he has had to be patient in his pursuit of first-team opportunities.

He was, however, handed his UEFA Champions League bow during a 2-1 victory over Anderlecht on Wednesday and is hoping there will be more outings to come.

Martinez says he is thoroughly enjoying his time with a Premier League heavyweight, with his game having been shaped for the better by conditions and expectations in England.

He told Ole: “When I was 16 years old, I had played matches for the reserve team at Independiente. I was also part of the Argentinian U17 team.

“During that time, I signed with Arsenal. There was a person from the club in Argentina that was watching my performances and it all got arranged once I finished my participation in the Sudamericano Sub 17.

“When I arrived at Arsenal I found a club much bigger than I expected.

“And the training sessions were very different than in Argentina. There is more intensity, you always play with the pitch wet and you are asked to be a professional at all times, from the youngest to the oldest player.

“In the first training sessions I had, (Robin) Van Persie was there. I couldn’t believe it.

“All the players in this team are normal people, they treat everyone normally and it doesn’t matter what age you are or what your name is.”

Martinez added: “I have learnt many things, most of all to play with my feet, to go out quickly in the air and to control the ball when it is wet.

“If I returned to Argentina, I would have problems because it’s a different way of playing. I am used to the speed that the ball has in England.”

Part of Martinez’s learning curve has included a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday in 2013/14, with important game time taken in at Hillsborough.

He added: “Arsene (Wenger) said to me that he wanted me to get experience there. And as the second division in England is very strong, I was sent on loan to Sheffield.

“The goalkeeper there has a lot of experience but I was lucky enough to replace him. I played 20 games and had good performances.

“It was a good experience as they wanted me to get adapted.

“They (Arsenal) must be happy with how I got on because they have renewed my contract for another four years.”