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Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has revealed he has been playing through ‘extreme pain’ at the World Cup after fracturing his finger on the eve of the tournament.
The former Arsenal shot-stopper has been an ever-present for the defending champions in North America, who will claim their second World Cup trophy in as many tournaments if they can beat Spain tonight.
Martinez will start in goal, but is some way off being fully fit after picking up an injury while playing for Aston Villa.
‘My hand still hurts every day; I knew it was going to be extremely painful,’ he said in the build-up to the final. ‘I avoided surgery, even though all the specialists I consulted in the United States and England told me I needed to have it.
‘I couldn’t train during the group stage, but from the Round of 16 onwards after Egypt, I stopped thinking about it, and I feel much better.’
Martinez picked up the issue during the warm-up ahead of Aston Villa’s Europa League final win over Freiburg.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has said he has been playing through ‘extreme pain’ at the World Cup
He strapped his finger to play in that game, but would miss Argentina’s World Cup warm-up matches before making the tournament.
‘The coach sent me a message saying, ‘No matter what state you’re in, I want you on my team’,’ Martinez continued.
‘To me, that means more than saving 10 penalties or making the front page of the newspaper. And if my moment doesn’t come but we win the final, it will mean just as much.’
The 33-year-old played a key role in the 2022 final win over France, saving a late effort from Randal Kolo Muani before stopping a penalty in the shootout.
This year, however, he is enjoying himself more, and has his sights set on taking the trophy home again.
‘We’ve been improving year after year with this team,’ Martinez continued. ‘Sometimes I tear up just thinking about what we’ve achieved. There are still moments of joy and celebration ahead.
‘I’m enjoying this World Cup much more than the last one. I suffered a lot after the Saudi Arabia match in Qatar.
‘I didn’t face many shots, yet I conceded goals. I only played a decisive role during the penalty shootouts. I think I’m playing better with my feet now. I’ll step onto the pitch on Sunday, and you’ll see me smiling.
‘I feel very calm. A goalkeeper’s role goes beyond just making saves during the match; you have to come off your line and project confidence. These are footballing aspects that reassure my teammates, I need to show them I’m composed.’
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