Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez gave an emotional interview after his instrumental role in his nation’s World Cup success.
Aston Villa shot-stopper Martinez was one of his nation’s heroes in the remarkable final victory over France as he saved Kingsley Coman’s penalty in the shootout while also distracting Aurelien Tchouameni ahead of the Real Madrid midfielder dragging his effort wide of goal.
Martinez landed the coveted Golden Glove award for the tournament meaning that he was declared as the star goalkeeper of the World Cup. He then celebrated the award with a crude gesture in front of unimpressed Qatari officials.
Martinez has established himself as somewhat of a cult hero for Argentina fans due to his role in the nation’s successes in recent years. He was one of the most impressive performers as Argentina ended their three-decade trophy drought to win last year’s Copa America in Brazil against their fierce rivals.
He also impressed throughout this tournament and played a key role in the two penalty shootout victories as he also saved two penalties against the Netherlands in the quarter-final stage. Martinez then kept a clean sheet against Croatia in the semi-final.
In the final, Martinez produced a stunning last-gasp save from France striker Randal Kolo Muani in the closing minute of extra-time to take the game to penalties – when his antics yet again worked against his opponents to help land the World Cup.
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"It's a moment that I always have to give to my teammates, they scored three goals against me and it hurt, but then I did everything right,” an emotional Martinez explained after the game.
"It was a game of suffering, just two efforts against us and they drew level with us. One thing we said was that it was our destiny to suffer, we got 3-2 ahead again, and then they gave another penalty against us."
He then added of his exploits in the penalty shootout: "Then I did my thing, what I dreamed of, there could not be a World Cup that I have dreamed of so much."
Martinez concluded his interview by dedicating his successes to his family and those who helped him throughout his career: "To my family, I came from a very humble place, I left when I was very young to England and I want to dedicate it to them."
