Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has explained exactly what it took to secure the World Cup for Argentina in Qatar this winter.
Martinez played a key role in Argentina's thrilling victory over the Netherlands in the quarter-final. However, this would be his last contribution as he was named as a surprise substitute in the semi-final and final.
Since the penalty shootout victory against France, Martinez has been celebrating the World Cup success in Argentina. When asked about the mentality needed to win the famous trophy, the 24-year-old told TYC Sports : "It was a huge emotion and a pride to be there.
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"It was my first World Cup, but I was also very focused from the beginning, with the aim of becoming champion. We went from less to more and people identified a lot with our game, we showed good football and that is what characterises us Argentines.
"You have to be predisposed and when you see the shirt, the shield and so many millions of Argentines behind you, you have to give up your life for all of them. The least we can do is that."
During his press conference post-Burnley, Erik ten Hag joked that Martinez was still partying in Buenos Aires. However, he was keen to reiterate that the defender needed to be back in Manchester ahead of the return of the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag sent this message to Raphael Varane, who found himself on the losing side of last Sunday's final in Lusail. "Varane, of course, is disappointed about losing the final but he can also be proud of being in the final again and all that he has achieved in his career is massive, as a team and a player, to win so many trophies," the United boss said.
"He is second and he can still be proud. Getting to the final is a big achievement because the level of the nations was so close."
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