World Cup 2022: Arsene Wenger Proud of Argentina Goalkeeper Martinez for Reaching Final

• Arsene Wenger is filled with pride at former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez
• Martinez spent a decade at the Gunners but only made 15 Premier League appearances
• Martinez made his national debut against Chile in the World Cup qualifiers in June 2021

Arsene Wenger has hailed Emiliano Martinez’s 'grass to grace' story, following the Argentina goalkeeper’s rise from Arsenal’s reserves to keeping at the FIFA World Cup.

Martinez joined Arsenal as a teenager under Wenger but was loaned out six times in the 10 years he spent with the Gunners, as he found playing time difficult to come by.

According to the Daily Mail, Wenger has revealed his admiration for the 30-year-old goalkeeper, who has been one of Argentina’s standout players at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“I am very happy for him. We were aware of his huge qualities. He was determined and had the desire to learn and a big passion for the game. Sometimes, he went out on loan and didn't even play, but it didn't stop his belief and motivation.”

Virgil Van Dijk reveals the most difficult thing about Messi

Football

Martinez, whose penalty shootout heroics helped the South Americans triumph at the 2021 Copa America, will again hope to play a key role on Sunday when La Albiceleste take on France in the World Cup final.

Emi Martinez reveals Argentina’s secret

Meanwhile, Martinez says in the Argentina locker room, there is a siege mentality where they believe it is the South American champions pitted against the rest of the world, Daily Mirror reports.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper says his team has felt the strength of a whole nation behind them, but insisted that everyone else has wanted them to lose at the tournament.

Argentina will take on France in the World Cup final on Sunday, December 18, as they bid to win the competition for the third time after victories in 1978 and 1986.

Holland vs Argentina: Van Gaal exposes Messi's flaw ahead of showdown

Football

Martinez saves Argentina from heartbreak

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Martinez coming to the rescue for his country on a remarkable night of drama in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The shot-stopper saved two penalties from the Netherlands in the shootout, which sent his Argentina through to the semi-finals.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper was barely tested for the best part of 90 minutes, as the South Americans swept to a two-goal lead, before substitute Wout Weghorst engineered an incredible Dutch fightback.