Emi Martinez opens up on being misunderstood by fans

Only Lionel Messi has perhaps been more important in Argentina’s run of winning three major international trophies in a row than Emiliano Martinez. The goalkeeper also played a crucial role as Aston Villa qualified for this year’s Champions League.

Martinez is best known for being a monster in penalty shootouts, with a ridiculous success rate. His antics on the goal line before a penalty is taken often make headlines. But in an interview with The Guardian, the shot stopper insists that he is more than just that.

He said, “I think it’s natural, I don’t think about it, I just do it. It’s in the moment. It’s something that can happen, the adrenaline kicks in and sometimes you just can’t control it. I don’t look for it, it just comes. Sometimes when you see me from the outside, you think: ‘He looks a show-off.’ But no, I’m just a normal guy, a family man. But when it is about winning I try everything I can to win the game.”

Martinez, who is affectionately called ‘Dibu’ feels that he is sometimes misunderstood. “Yeah, exactly … [people who think of me being] the show-off are probably the team who doesn’t know me. When you ask all of my teammates, those in the national team, I do everything for my team, I try to help everyone in the club. The only thing that I want is the best for my club and country. That is all that I care about.”

While fans may have their opinions on his actions, none of this has stopped Martinez from becoming one of the best goalkeepers in world football.