Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez: It was my destiny to win in France again!

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."