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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Mastered the art of mind games</li><li>Famed for his on-field antics</li><li>Happy to win by whatever means</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

‘Many people do worse things’ – Argentina & Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez explains why ‘villain’ reputation is unfair

Premier League

Newcastle

Aston Villa

<p>The <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/emi-martinez-explains-epic-2022-world-cup-tattoo-everlasting-nod-iconic-final-save-france-forward-randal-kolo-muani/blt685d6d0900ef050b" target="_blank">World Cup winner</a> has become famed for his on-field antics, with the South American shot-stopper seemingly <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/emi-martinez-weird-behaviour-questioned-argentina-star-antics-stop-considered-top-three-goalkeepers-world/bltd5ffbc573062674e" target="_blank">mastering the art of mind games</a>. That skill set has allowed him to become a penalty-saving hero and a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/terrible-personality-emi-martinez-argentina-team-mate-jokes-world-cup-winning-goalkeeper-changed-penalty-shootout-hero/bltc9c01d76d4b5b807" target="_blank">larger-than-life character in domestic and international football</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Martinez makes no apologies for doing whatever it takes to gain the upper-hand, but insists that he is being wrongly portrayed as  a bad boy on the pitch. The 32-year-old has told the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6wpY-xbHy4 " target="_blank"><em>Men In Blazers</em></a> podcast of <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/dibu-moron-argentina-goalkeeper-emi-martinez-branded-unbearable-cristian-romero-copa-america/blt21fe9da3b5f0c4b2" target="_blank">his antagonistic behaviour</a>: “It’s in the moment, I never plan anything. When I save a penalty, then I try to create a bit of pressure on the players. No more than that. </p><p>“There are many people that do worse things and they get away with it. I missed a Conference League semi-final at home because the ref gave me for a yellow for asking for a ball. I have got a reputation that I wind people up, and that’s not correct.”</p>

WHAT MARTINEZ SAID

<p>Martinez’s mindset is <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/animal-in-goal-emi-martinez-crazy-penalty-record-shootout-heroics-lionel-messi-argentina-copa-america-quarter-finals/blt2921170906f12337" target="_blank">not about getting into the head of his opponents</a>, it is merely about emerging victorious. He added: “I just look at myself, I never look at others. When I go on the pitch, or a penalty shootout, I go to win – that’s all I care about. I don’t care what the fans say, or the opponent or the managers, I just help my back four and try to make as many saves as I can.”</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Martinez helped Argentina to global glory at Qatar 2022, and Copa America crowns either side of that event in the Middle East, while his efforts in 2023-24 contributed significantly to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/emi-martinez-transfer-chelsea-why-blues-could-get-him-world-cup-winning-goalkeeper-upgrade-robert-sanchez/blt7af43638ec5488c8" target="_blank">Aston Villa now rubbing shoulders with the European elite</a> in Champions League competition.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

‘Many people do worse things’ – Argentina & Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez explains why ‘villain’ reputation is unfair | Goal.com

Emi Martinez has explained why his “villain” reputation is unfair, with the Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper saying “many people do worse things”.