Emiliano Martinez’s World Cup heroics completed a remarkable journey that included six loan stints over a decade — including one in English football’s fourth tier — before reaching the summit of football.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper, not for the first time this tournament, proved a hero for Argentina as he saved from Kingsley Coman in the shootout to help them to a 4-2 win after the thrilling final against France ended 3-3 in extra-time.
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Martinez is currently shotstopper for Aston Villa in the Premier League but his performances at the tournament — winning him the Golden Glove award — are sure to attract the attention of some of the biggest clubs across the world.
It’s a remarkable moment for Martinez, who was signed by Arsenal from Independiente in 2012 and quickly found himself playing for League Two side Oxford United as a single-game emergency loan player.
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The first taste of first team football ended in a 3-0 defeat to Port Vale for the then-19-year-old and over the next decade he would spend time with Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United, Wolver, Getafe and Reading before finally getting his chance for Arsenal in 2020 and impressing.
He made a £20 million pound ($A36m) move to Villa with his performances springboarding him into the national team where he won the Copa America in 2021, and the Golden Glove award at that tournament.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger last week expressed his pride at how far Martinez had come.
“I am very happy for him,” Wenger said. “We were aware of his huge qualities (at Arsenal). He was determined and had a desire to learn and a big passion for the game.
“Sometimes he went out on loan and didn’t even play, but it didn’t stop his belief and motivation.
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“When I see him now play, knowing what he went through, I admire even more his achievement.
“Well done Emi, we are proud of you.”
Martinez said after Monday’s (AEDT) final it was “destiny” for Argentina to win the World Cup.
“It was a very complicated match, they came back to equalise in the game but it was our destiny to suffer,” said the Aston Villa keeper.
“All that I have dreamed of has been achieved. I have no words for it. I was calm during the penalty shoot-out, and everything went as we wanted.
“I left very young for England. I dedicate this victory to all my family.”
