Aston Villa and Argentina’s No.1 Emi Martinez Playfully Teases PSG Fans with World Cup Cap Ahead of Champions League Quarter-Final.
WHAT HAPPENED?
As Aston Villa and Argentina’s Emi Martinez traveled to Paris for their Champions League first-leg clash with PSG, the goalkeeper couldn’t resist taking a cheeky jab at French fans ahead of the match. The 32-year-old was seen wearing a World Cup winners’ cap while boarding the flight, a move that is sure to stir painful memories for France supporters of their loss to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The gesture has not been well received by PSG’s ultras, and it’s bound to add extra fuel to the fire when the players step onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes. The tension is heightened after comments from PSG legend Bernard Lama regarding Martinez. Known for his ability to provoke opposition players and fans, Martinez is expected to embrace the added hostility and use it as motivation for the match.
WHAT TIELEMANS SAID
Villa teammate Youri Tielemans has tried to defuse the situation, acknowledging that Martinez’s behavior is part of his persona. He added that he has no issue with PSG fans targeting Martinez, as long as it remains within the bounds of football. “It’s probably his style,” Tielemans explained. “All I can say is that he’s ready for the game and hasn’t said anything different. He’s looking forward to it. I don’t care [about the reception he gets]. Whatever happens with Emi, as long as it stays in football terms, I don’t mind.”
