Arsenal’s new boy Runar Alex Runarsson spoke to Goal about his plans at the Emirates this season.
The Iceland international was brought in from French side Dijon earlier this summer. Runarsson is a replacement for Emiliano Martinez who left the Gunners for Aston Villa after over a decade in North London.
The Argentine struggled for regular chances with the first team and was sent out on loan multiple times. Martinez finally got his chance at the end of last season, and he showed everyone what he was capable of.
The 28-year-old played in integral part in almost all of Arsenal’s wins that he featured in. His performances in the FA Cup semi-final and final were fantastic and, without him, the Gunners might not have won the competition last season.
Martinez was also brilliant in this season’s Community Shield against Liverpool. The Argentine was a true hero for Arsenal in both those games, and Runarsson claims that he is inspired by the former Gunners star’s story.
Runarsson wants to emulate Martinez at Arsenal
He said: “I read an interview with him a couple of days ago and he said he came in as the ninth-choice goalkeeper, but he worked his a*se off to become the first-choice at Arsenal after Leno’s injury.”
“Then, he makes a brilliant move to Aston Villa for £20 million. That should inspire everyone, not just me. That’s my plan: to work my a*se off, enjoy every minute of it and get as many games as possible.”
Martinez is certainly an inspiration for every young footballer out there. He had to wait over a decade for a chance at Arsenal and, when he finally got it, he was ready to make his mark.
Runarsson is not the ninth choice at Arsenal like Martinez once was. However, he will have to work just as hard to take Leno’s place in the starting line-up at some point this season.
It will be interesting to see if Arteta hands Runarsson his debut when the Europa League starts later this month. If he does, the Iceland international will have to be ready to impress, just like Martinez did a few months ago.
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