Martinez ‘bullied’ Kylian Mbappe after helping Argentina win the World Cup – his behavior was considered too much by his bosses at the club.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is reportedly keen to sell Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the January transfer window. The relationship between the two is said to be increasingly fractured after the World Cup.
Last weekend, the 30-year-old goalkeeper played a major role in helping Argentina win the World Cup for the third time. He performed well throughout the competition, and made a crucial save in the final penalty shootout against France.
However, after being crowned champion and winner of the Golden Gloves, Martinez’s behavior sparked controversy.
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He mocked French superstar Kylian Mbappe by holding a ‘minute of silence’ for him in the midst of celebrating Lionel Messi et al. At a celebratory march in Buenos Aires, Martinez held a baby doll with Mbappe’s face plastered on it.
claimed transfers, Emery was not happy with Martinez’s temperament and did not want him in his team. Now he will make every effort to get rid of Martinez from the Aston Villa squad.
The former Arsenal boss is even said to have targeted another goalkeeper who has also shone at the World Cup, namely Morocco and Sevilla star Yassine Bounou.
Responding to Martinez’ celebration, Emery said: “When you have big emotions, sometimes it’s difficult to control them.”
“I respect that, he is now with the national team and will come back with us, he is our responsibility and then we can talk about it.”
“We are very proud of him. He won the World Cup with the Argentina national team and that is extraordinary,” concluded Emery.
Aston Villa will return to action in the English Premier League by hosting Liverpool, Tuesday (27/12) in the morning WIB.
