Anthony Martial’s career has taken another unexpected turn after the French striker was left out of AEK Athens’ squad for their upcoming Europa Conference League play-off match against Belgian side Anderlecht. The exclusion, confirmed by Belgian outlet HLN, is seen as a significant blow for the former Manchester United forward.
Martial joined AEK Athens last summer as a free agent after leaving Manchester United. His final appearance for the Red Devils came on December 9, 2023, in a Premier League match against Bournemouth. Upon arriving in Greece, he made a promising start, finishing the 2024/25 Super League season with seven goals in 19 appearances.
However, his standing at the club appears to have diminished rapidly. For the crucial European clash, AEK Athens have opted to place their faith in Serbian striker Luka Jovic — a former Real Madrid and AC Milan player — over Martial.
It marks a stark contrast to the early days of Martial’s career, when he arrived at Old Trafford from AS Monaco in 2015 as one of the brightest young prospects in world football. He scored a stunning solo goal against Liverpool on his debut, instantly winning the hearts of fans.
During his time at Manchester United, Martial made 317 appearances and netted 90 goals, helping the club secure two FA Cups, two EFL Cups, and a UEFA Europa League title. His most prolific season came in 2019/20 when he scored 23 goals and was voted the club’s Player of the Year by his teammates.
But persistent injuries and inconsistent performances plagued his career, limiting his impact and frustrating fans who believed he had the talent to offer much more. His recent omission from a major European fixture now raises further questions about his future and whether he can reclaim the form that once made him one of Europe’s most promising forwards.
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