Emi Martinez has set the record straight after his post-World Cup celebrations were seen as mocking French star Kylian Mbappe.
The Argentine goalkeeper was the hero in the final in Qatar back in December as he saved twice in the penalty shootout. The South Americans claimed their first World Cup since 1986 despite Mbappe singlehandedly hauling Les Blues back into the match when they appeared down and out.
He became just the second man to score a World Cup final hat-trick after Geoff Hurst, before also converting his penalty in the shootout. Martinez maintains he has "huge respect" for Mbappe despite being spotted holding a doll with the Frenchman's face on it during a open top bus parade.
He told France Football: “I held it for like two minutes and I threw it away, that’s all. How can I make fun of Mbappé ? He scored four past me [his three goals and his penalty shootout in the final]. Four goals in a final! He must think I am his toy baby ! I have huge respect for Mbappé.“
Martinez and Mbappe shared a moment in the aftermath of the final with the Aston Villa star detailing their conversation. “I told him he should be proud of himself and keep his head high, because he played a fantastic game and that he was one of the best players in the world. He was flying, we could not stop him," said the goalkeeper.
Mbappe refused to get drawn on Martinez's actions despite it receiving widespread criticism, but confessed he would never get off France's loss. He said: “I don't waste any energy on such futile things. What's important for me is to give the best of myself for my club, and we're looking forward for Leo (Messi) to return to continue scoring and winning matches.
“I talked with him (Messi) after the match (World Cup final), I congratulated him. It was a life's goal for him, for me as well, but I failed, so you must always remain a good sportsman.
"Personally, I will never get over it (losing the final). But my club is not responsible for this failure of our team, (so) I've tried to return with the most positive energy possible.”
Mbappe was aiming to capture the second World Cup of his career, with the Golden Boot a scant consolation. Lionel Messi's victory meant he claimed the one trophy that had eluded him throughout his career and has since returned to club duties with Mbappe.
