Former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has officially joined AEK Athens on a three-year deal, marking the start of a fresh chapter in his career. Martial, 28, left Old Trafford after nine years, with his contract expiring this past summer, bringing an end to his long-standing tenure at one of Europe’s top clubs.
A Stellar Career at Manchester United
Martial’s journey at Manchester United began in 2015 when he signed from AS Monaco for £36 million—setting a then-record fee for a teenager. During his nine-year stint at United, the French forward made 317 appearances, scoring an impressive 90 goals. His versatility on the pitch allowed him to operate in various attacking roles, from winger to center forward. Martial played a key role in several successful campaigns for the club, winning two Carabao Cups, the FA Cup, and the Europa League during his time in Manchester.
Despite his individual brilliance, Martial’s time at United was marred by injuries and inconsistencies, limiting his impact, especially in the later years. He struggled to maintain a regular starting position, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and other rising stars emerging as key players for the Red Devils.
A New Adventure in Greece
Now, Martial embarks on a new journey with AEK Athens, a top club in Greece that finished runners-up in the Greek Super League last season. AEK has started the 2024-2025 season on a high note, winning three of their first four games, placing them at the top of the table.
In his first statement as an AEK player, Martial expressed excitement about the new opportunity: “I’m very happy. AEK was a chance for me, and I want to give the best of myself to win trophies and bring joy to the fans.”
AEK fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the Frenchman adapts to Greek football and what he can bring to the squad. With his vast experience in top-tier European football and his knack for scoring important goals, Martial’s addition is a major boost to AEK’s ambitions, both domestically and in European competitions.
International Career: Highs and Lows
On the international stage, Martial has had a mixed career. Although he has earned 30 caps for the French national team, scoring two goals, his last appearance came in 2021. Given France’s depth of talent in attack, Martial has often struggled to cement his place in the national squad. However, his move to AEK Athens presents a unique opportunity to reignite his career and potentially catch the eye of national team selectors once again.
A Bright Future Ahead
For Martial, this move to AEK Athens offers a chance to rediscover his form and become a pivotal player for the Greek giants. After nearly a decade in the pressure-filled environment of Manchester United, Martial now has an opportunity to enjoy his football in a less intense, but still highly competitive, league.
AEK Athens will hope that Martial’s experience at the highest level of European football can help them push for silverware in both domestic and international competitions.
