If we were to list the most unpopular footballers among French football fans, Emiliano Martinez would be at the top. The French were outraged by the Argentine goalkeeper's various behaviors in and after the 2022 World Cup final. This was also discussed at the national level in Argentina and France.
Two years have passed since those incidents, but the 'Emilio Martinez-France fight' has not stopped. This time, Martinez went to Paris wearing an Argentine cap to poke fun at the French audience. As an Argentine, he can wear the national team cap. But Martinez went to Paris this time for Aston Villa, to play in the Champions League match against PSG. However, even though he came to play for the club, Martinez made it clear from the beginning - 'I am Argentine, I have four trophies.'
Martinez, who became a villain to the French after the World Cup final in December 2022, last visited France last year. Villa's opponents in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals were Lille. Martinez, who was standing in the Villa goal post during the match, was repeatedly booed by the Lille fans.
Recalling that match last month, Martinez said, "They insulted me the whole match. I have never been so insulted in my entire life. They did everything they could, but I did nothing to them in 120 minutes."
The 32-year-old Argentine goalkeeper's words make it clear that he is no less angry with the French fans. He may have assumed that he will be subjected to the same treatment when he takes the field against PSG in the Champions League this time.
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