Emiliano Martínez (32) has embraced his persona as a public enemy number one in France. The Argentinian goalkeeper broke French hearts in the penalty shootout that decided the World Cup final of 2022 and then did it again when he helped Aston Villa to eliminate Lille OSC on punishments in last season's Europa League quarter.
Martínez has the chance to do it a third time when his villa side on 9 and 15 April will take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The keeper is not illusions that the atmosphere will be hostile when he travels to France for the first stage, especially after his experiences in Lille last season.
He told TYC Sports earlier: “[Lille supporters] insulted me the entire game. I have never been so much offended in my entire life. They did everything to me and I did nothing in exchange for 120 minutes of the game. People insulted me every time I cleaned up the ball. Then there was the penalty shootout and I silenced them. '
He expects this time to be no different, in which he explains in an interview with Televe that his presence as a lightning distance can prove to be a hidden advantage for his side. “My team will be under less pressure because the focus will be on me, the fans will insult me … I am completely in control.”
The keeper also hinted that he is preparing for an even hostile reception at the Parc des Pirnces than he received in the Stade Pierre-Murroy. “The French said it will be worse at PSG than at Lille.”
GFFN | Nick Hartland
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