Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez has revealed that he told Kylian Mbappe to be “proud” despite being on the end of a heart-wrenching World Cup defeat.
The Aston Villa star was key to his nation claiming the World Cup in Qatar after saving penalties from Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni following a 3-3 draw after extra time. And all that was after Mbappe netted a hat-trick and Martinez appeared to be stoking the fires of a fledgling rivalry with the aforementioned France forward.
The goalkeeper called for a minute’s silence for the forward in the dressing room in Qatar and was then spotted with a doll depicting the PSG striker during the celebrations in Buenos Aires. Despite that, Martinez appeared to have consoled the Frenchman immediately after his nation’s success as Mbappe sat disappointed on the pitch.
He shared some words with the 24-year-old and has now told exactly what he said. Speaking to TyC Sports, he said: “I told him to get up and to look forward.
“He shouldn't be on the floor, but proud of the game he had played, which is the truth. He scored four goals on me. The one who should be on the floor is me.”
It is not the first time that Martinez has clarified his actions after the World Cup. He also recently attempted to justify the images of him carrying the doll and refuted claims that he was intentionally mocking Mbappe.
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“I held it [baby doll] for like two minutes and I threw it away, that's all,” the Villa stopper said. “How can I make fun of Mbappe? He scored four past me. Four goals in a final! He must think I am his toy baby! I have huge respect for Mbappe.”
Whilst Martinez has attempted to smooth things over with Mbappe a few months after Argentina’s memorable World Cup success, it appears that he remains unconvinced having hit out at the goalkeeper’s “futile” celebrations upon his return to PSG.
“The celebrations, they’re not my problem,” 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.”
Meanwhile, Mbappe had a telling reaction to Martinez recently being crowned the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. Mbappe was stationed on the front row during a glitzy ceremony in Paris on Monday and had a steely expression on his face when the Aston Villa man was called up to collect his award.
Whilst Martinez was claimed the Best goalkeeper, that was not enough to see him named in the FIFPRO World XI for 2022. Instead, Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois earned a spot in the side, with Mbappe also securing a place in the XI.
