On the penultimate day of the summer transfer window, Emi Martinez's fate at Aston Villa appeared to be written in stone. Following omission from the matchday squad against Crystal Palace, Villa fans began plotting a bitter break-up with the previously beloved goalkeeper.

And yet, on Saturday, Martinez returned to the starting XI against Everton. Despite Unai Emery's firm support for Marco Bizot in the previous gameweek, it felt inevitable that the boss would revert back to his number 23 if available.

Loyalty in football is a complex beast. In a deeply tribalistic sport, rooted in community and passion, players are often placed on pedestals and lauded for their commitment to the badge. Equally, we have seen players shunned for wanting a move.

All of this is more amplified than ever in the modern game, with fans connected to players through social media and an abundance of content that brings us closer to our clubs' stars.

In reality, true loyalty in football is a rare concept. One-club players are few and far between, and agents are constantly looking for the next best thing for their clients. Whether it is trophies, bigger pay packets or more game time, players will have their eyes on future moves.

Martinez's performance and clean sheet against Everton were a bargaining chip to get back into the hearts of Villa fans who felt hurt by his failed attempts to leave the club - a place that has worshipped him as a modern legend.

While a few taps of the badge and a clap towards travelling fans may only paper over the cracks left in his relationship with fans, his showing at Hill Dickinson Stadium was the first step towards repairing what may have been broken.

"The world's number one" needs to put in a few more of those shifts before he is in the clear, but there is little room for sentimentality in football. As long as he pulls on the shirt and gives his all for the club this season, I won't hold a grudge.

Aston Villa news: Opinion - 'I won't hold a grudge' as Emi Martinez crucial to Villa's season