Aston Villa manager Unai Emery doesn't seem too impressed with Emiliano Martínez's celebrations
Published
| Last updated
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says he will speak to goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez about his controversial celebrations in the aftermath of Argentina's World Cup win.
The 30-year-old's conduct, both during and after Sunday's World Cup final against France, has somewhat divided opinion.
To kick things off, he used mind games to unsettle the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni, Kingsley Coman and Kolo Muani as they stepped up to take their spot kicks.
And after the full-time whistle, Martinez mocked Kylian Mbappe by telling his Argentina teammates to have "a minute of silence" for the French forward – a moment that was captured on Nicolas Otamendi's Instagram.
Loading…
It didn't stop there, either. Golden Glove winner Martinez was then spotted carrying around a doll with Mbappe's face taped to it during Argentina's open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires.
Since those viral incidents took place, Noel Le Graet, who is the president of the French FA, has written a formal letter of complaint about Martinez's conduct.
"I wrote to my counterpart from the Argentine Federation," he said. "I find these excesses abnormal, in the context of a sports competition, and I find it difficult to understand.
"This is going too far. Mbappe's behaviour has been exemplary."
It's fair to say Martinez's actions throughout Argentina's post-match celebrations were divisive. In fact, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery didn't appear too impressed with his player's actions.
In a press conference ahead of Villa's Premier League clash against Liverpool on Monday night, the Spaniard said he will have a word with the former Arsenal goalkeeper about "some" of his celebrations.
"When you have a big emotion, sometimes it’s difficult to control it," Emery said.
"I will speak to him next week about some of the celebrations but I need to respect that he’s with his national team right now. When he’s back with us we can speak about it."
🗣 "I will speak with him next week about some celebrations."
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 23, 2022
Unai Emery doesn't seem too impressed with the celebrations from Emiliano Martínez 👀 pic.twitter.com/bvELaGuTAD
Emery did, however, praise the Argentine goalkeeper for his on-field contributions throughout this winter's tournament.
"We are so proud of him. He won the World Cup, it’s amazing. Aston Villa fans can be very proud," he added.
"He’s coming back next week so we are expecting him to be ready for the game at Tottenham on New Year’s Day.
"I want him to rest now because after all that hard work and emotion, he needs it. He had an excellent World Cup and we’re looking forward to having him back."
Thoughts on Martinez's conduct after Argentina's World Cup triumph?
Let us know in the comments.
From 26-28th December, watch all 10 Premier League games live, including Aston Villa vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs West Ham, Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest and more. Watch for free with a 30-day free trial to Prime!
Featured Image Credit: Football Daily
Topics: Emiliano Martinez, Argentina, Football World Cup, Unai Emery, Aston Villa
