“I did it because the French booed me,” said Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made headlines on Sunday during the FIFA World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. The best players were honored for their heroic actions in the tournament on the podium when the goalkeeper made a vulgar gesture with the Golden Glove (a trophy for the tournament’s most outstanding goalkeeper) in hand. He held the glove near his crotch and immediately images of the same went viral on social media. Many people on the internet have slammed Martinez for such an act.
Now the player has explained the reason why. According to a New York Post report, Martinez told Argentine radio station La Red, “I did it because the French booed me.” He went on to say, “Pride doesn’t work with me.”
It is still unclear whether the goalkeeper faces a fine or disciplinary proceedings.
After winning the game against two-time champions France, an emotional Martinez said: “We suffered a lot. We thought we were in control but they managed to come back. It was a very complicated game. Our destiny was to suffer one last chance to win, luckily I was able to stop it with my foot.”
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Recalling his younger days, he continued: “This is a moment I’ve always dreamed of living, I have no words for it. I went to England very young and I want to dedicate this win to my family.”
The 30-year-old saved Kingsley Coman on penalties to help Argentina win 4-2 after the thrilling final ended 3-3 in extra time. Martinez was the first Argentine player to win the Golden Glove. His team-mate Lionel Messi, who took home the Golden Ball, and Best Young Player winner Enzo Fernandez joined him for the trophy presentation.
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