The more they do him, the more he loves. The more angry they become, the happier it is. Emiliano Martinez is one of the largest villains of the French sporting audience and while he is preparing for Paris Saint-Germain in the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, the goalkeeper of Aston Villa would not be different.
Since Martinez expressed his enchantment at France in the World Cup final 2022, which made an amazing rescue in extra time of Randal Kolo Muani before France missed two stairs in the penalty shootout, he is the football player they like to hate in this country.
His behavior after helping Argentina to victory, including a lust gesture with the Golden Glove Trophy and the tasteless harassment of Kylian Mbappe, made French fans more married to their opinion. Some in the game even believe that his behavior may have cost him a switch to one of Europe's elite clubs.
Martinez is likely to be ruthless in the first stage of the quarterfinals of the Champions League and PSG attacker Desire Doue, who watched the 2022 final on television, has already been fired.
“He is a keeper like any other, he played for Argentina, so there is clearly a sense of revenge for the French internationals,” said Doue. “I have never confronted him, but the goal will be to score as many goals as possible against him.”
Strange to think that Unai Emery was not convinced by Martinez when he took the lead over Villa in the fall 2022.
It is thought that he felt uncomfortable with some of the 32-year-old antics at the World Cup and Mail Sport understands that he was considering replacing him the following summer, with Moroccan goalkeeper Bono and David Raya, who then came to Arsenal from Brentford again, under his goals.
Emery was also uncertain about Martinez's ability with the ball at his feet and the Villa coach was particularly frustrated after Arsenal worship by Arsenal in February 2023. Feed forward for a corner looking for an equalizer, Martinez was stranded when the ball was cleared, allowing Arsenal to break and make the game safe.
Now Emery would never do without Martinez, always introduced as 'The World's No 1' by the stage broadcaster in Villa Park. The five -year -old deal that he signed last August raised Martinez to the highest salary bracket of Villa, although it is thought that you are at the forefront of around £ 200,000 a week.
Last Friday, the French TV station Canal Plus sent a reporter to the Emery Pre-Match press conference on Bodymoor Heath, simply to ask Emery for Martinez. Emery's answer was fairly standard, but when he was specifically pushed on Martinez's personality, he is usually more emerging. “I like him as he is, Emery says. 'We play football with a lot of emotion and when he plays for Argentina, there is a lot of emotion with the supporters.
'You know that rival fans are going to defend their team and use words to upset us and it is the same when players play for their national teams. They defend the colors of their countries in these important matches. We are always mature enough to be in balance.
'Emiliano Martinez gets better. When I arrived two and a half years ago, he was very good, but he is now better in everything. As a person he is more mature, more responsible. He also achieves his individual objectives. '
Although John McGinn is the Villa captain, Martinez is the band leader. The team seems to shrink when he does not play, and therefore the hamstring pain he suffers must be managed so carefully.
Martinez is so dedicated to improve that Villa coaches often have to drag him from the training field, for fear that he will adjust that difficult hamstring through overtime.
He has demanded a rebound network to help him respond faster to deflected shots and does yoga, pilates and swimming to support the recovery. “He always wants to stay there for five minutes, another shot more, another penalty,” said former Villa keeper coach Neil Cutler.
Martinez is not only vocal and influential in the team of the first team, he regularly tries to encourage players in Villa's age group teams to be as committed and professional as possible.
Do not believe anyone who tells you that Martinez only had eyes for Villa. Mail Sport understands that top clubs in Europe sounded discreet after the World Cup to see if they could offer. There were even those who thought that Martinez's friendship with Lionel Messi could pave the way for a movement.
Yet there was never a bite. The big three in Spain had Top class goalkeepers, PSG was never an option after the joust with Mbappe, and neither Manchester United nor Chelsea Wenden to pay the World Record Prize for a goalkeeper who would have demanded Villa. Both would make the chance to take him now, but it is certainly too late.
Martinez reminds you of the 2004 version of Jose Mourinho. Completely confidence in his own capacity and not afraid to say that. Ready to push the boundaries as far as possible to get a lead, especially in penalty shoot-outs. Loved by those on his own side; Faried, not fun and reluctantly admired by opponents. Both are conductors of their orchestra.
“I don't apologize (for them),” Martinez said about his antics. “I don't swear. I don't insult anyone. I just try to help my team – that's all. I never offend a religion, every player. I never try to induce the fans. I no line, I never do that. I respect families and countries and I will never exceed that line. '
Fans in this city would beg to differ. A fiery evening is in prospect and Villa needs Martinez on his spiky best.