Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Nicolas Martinez would like to stay at the Hyundai A-League club beyond this season despite only being on loan from Olympiacos.
The Argentine playmaker has been arguably the Wanderers’ best player of 2016/17 after joining the red and black in August.
Martinez has scored three goals – behind only striker Brendon Santalab (8), notched four assists – behind only Mitch Nichols (5), and leads Western Sydney for successful dribbles with 47.
The 29-year-old has also created 29 chances this season – level with captain Dimas and only behind Nichols (37).
Martinez was particularly impressive in the Wanderers’ 3-1 win away to Wellington Phoenix last week – setting up the opening goal and scoring the second – and looks to be getting stronger as the A-League campaign progresses.
“I’m very happy here with the club. I’m happy with the life here in Australia,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
“It’s amazing – the quality of life. No complaints at all.”
But Martinez is aware he doesn’t control his own destiny as the current plan will see him return to Olympiacos at the end of 2016/17.
“I have two more years in Greece but maybe not to return to this. But they [Olympiacos] are the owners of me,” he said.
“I have two more years contract… I’m focused on this season.
“Now we’re in the top six and we have the [AFC Champions League] and this is the best part of the season.
“We must be focused and try to work hard because we’re going to play every three days. It’s going to be tough but nice.”
Martinez joined Olympiacos in July 2015 after an impressive 18 months with Panetolikos but the ex-Velez Sarsfield youth product has never played a senior match for the Greek Superleague giants.
Having moved into the A-League finals berths with their win over the Phoenix, Western Sydney will look to strengthen their position with consecutive home matches against Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC before the AFC Champions League (ACL) begins later this month.
The Wanderers’ opening ACL clash will also be at home against Urawa Red Diamonds on February 21.
