Emiliano Martinez (31) refuses to accept the adjective “cocky” or “braggart” that has been given to him as a result of his continuous provocations, especially with the Argentine national team. The controversial Aston Villa goalkeeper claims that his tricks are not studied. “I think it is something natural,” he says in an extensive interview in ‘The Guardian’.
“I don’t think about it, I just do it. It’s something that happens 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’s a show-off’. But no, I’m a normal guy, a family man. But when it comes to winning, I do everything I can to win the game,” he admits.
“Do I feel misunderstood? Yes, exactly… people who think I’m a braggart probably don’t know me. When you ask all my teammates, the ones in the national team, I do everything for my team, I try to help everyone in the club. All I want is the best for my club and my country. That’s all I care about.”
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He insists: “I never try to irritate the fans, I never do that. I just try to slow down when the game is going against us; I try to kick the ball as hard as I can to the other side. But if you stand firm and don’t insult anyone, any religion… you can do whatever you want. I don’t swear, I don’t insult anyone. I just try to help my team. I always respect the players. I don’t cross the line, I never do.”
