LONDON – Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will speak to Emiliano Martinez about the Argentina goalkeeper’s controversial World Cup celebrations when he returns to club duty with the Premier League side.
Martinez made a key save to deny Randal Kolo Muani in extra-time and then denied Kingsley Coman in a penalty shoot-out in Qatar as Argentina beat France in a thrilling final.
But he was seen making a crude gesture after winning the Golden Glove trophy for the best goalkeeper at the tournament.
Then, during Argentina’s victory parade in Buenos Aires, he was seen holding a baby doll with its face covered by a photograph of France star striker Kylian Mbappé.
In the final, Mbappé scored a hat-trick as France twice fought back to take the game to a penalty shootout and then beat Martinez with the opening spot-kick.
“When you have big emotions, sometimes it is difficult to control it,” Emery told reporters on Friday.
“I will speak to him next week about some celebrations. We are so proud of him. He won the World Cup with his national team and it’s amazing.
“He’s coming back next week. I want him to rest now, because after big emotions and hard work, he has to have some days off to rest, then he’ll come back to work with us.”
French sports minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, speaking earlier yesterday, was scathing about Martinez’s conduct.
“I find it pitiful,” she said. “It’s just vulgar, inappropriate, really not up to the occasion. This Emiliano Martinez is not distinguishing himself. It is rather pathetic.” – AFP, December 24, 2022
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