World Cup 2022: Argentina Goalkeeper Emi Martinez Explains Celebration

• World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez has revealed why he celebrated inappropriately after Argentina's win on December 18th
• Martinez won the Golden Glove award after his saves ensured Argentina won their third world cup title
• He particularly made a point-blank effort from Randal Kolo Muani in the last second of the final to force the game to penalties

Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez has come out to explain the meaning of the celebration he used after he was declared the best goalkeeper of the 2022 World Cup.

Martinez pulled off a string of heroic saves throughout the tournament to beat the likes of Hugo Lloris and Dominic Livakovic to the award. But as soon as he received his award on December 18th, he hit a celebration that has been slammed as offensive.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper put his award on his crotch area as he looked at a section believed to be French supporters. As RMC Sports reports, he has now defended himself saying that it was some sort of payback to the opposition.

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"I did it because the French booed me. Arrogance does not work with me."

Martinez's heroic saves

Martinez, who has risen through the national team ranks quickly, is known for winding up opponents. He was yellow-carded during the final for playing mind games with France players as they went to take their penalties.

His tactics worked as Aurelien Tchoumaneni missed his spot-kick while Kingsley Coman saw his saved as Argentina won their first title since 1986.

Martinez dig on Mbappe

The 30-year-old is also on the spot for saying Mbappe is dead during dressing room celebrations. Before the final, he had stoked some fires by criticising Kylian Mbappe ahead of their meeting on Sunday evening.

Sports Brief reported that Martinez was on pre-match conference duty as Argentina prepare to face France in the 2022 World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

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Much of the focus has been on Mbappe and his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Lionel Messi - the two players who are expected to have a great say on the outcome of the game.

However, Martinez revisited previous comments by Mbappe where the 23-year-old appeared to suggest that South American football was not as competitive as European football.