‘Many people do worse things’ – Argentina & Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez explains why ‘villain’ reputation is unfair

The World Cup winner has become famed for his on-field antics, with the South American shot-stopper seemingly mastering the art of mind games. That skill set has allowed him to become a penalty-saving hero and a larger-than-life character in domestic and international football.

Martinez makes no apologies for doing whatever it takes to gain the upper-hand, but insists that he is being wrongly portrayed as a bad boy on the pitch. The 32-year-old has told the Men In Blazers podcast of his antagonistic behaviour: “It’s in the moment, I never plan anything. When I save a penalty, then I try to create a bit of pressure on the players. No more than that.

“There are many people that do worse things and they get away with it. I missed a Conference League semi-final at home because the ref gave me for a yellow for asking for a ball. I have got a reputation that I wind people up, and that’s not correct.”

Martinez’s mindset is not about getting into the head of his opponents, it is merely about emerging victorious. He added: “I just look at myself, I never look at others. When I go on the pitch, or a penalty shootout, I go to win – that’s all I care about. I don’t care what the fans say, or the opponent or the managers, I just help my back four and try to make as many saves as I can.”

Martinez helped Argentina to global glory at Qatar 2022, and Copa America crowns either side of that event in the Middle East, while his efforts in 2023-24 contributed significantly to Aston Villa now rubbing shoulders with the European elite in Champions League competition.