Argentina goalkeeper justifies his mockery of Mbappe
After the 2022 World Cup final, Martinez comforted Kylian Mbappe at Lusail Stadium (Qatar). But then, the 30-year-old goalkeeper had many controversial actions. Entering the dressing room, Martinez called for "a minute of silence" for Mbappe while celebrating with teammates. During a parade in the capital Buenos Aires, some Argentine fans burned a homemade coffin lid with a cross and an image of Mbappe. While marching on an open-top bus, Martinez also hugged a doll with the image of the French striker.
In an interview with France Football, Martinez said that Mbappe's doll was thrown on the team bus by fans. "People threw a lot of dolls at us along the way," he said. "A doll with Mbappe's face fell on my feet. I picked it up because it made me laugh. I hesitated for about two seconds and then threw it back, that's all."
The Aston Villa goalkeeper insists he has great respect for Mbappe and hails the PSG striker as the best French player he has ever seen. "How can I mock Mbappe, when he scores three goals and kicks a penalty in my net? With four goals in the net in the final, Mbappe must think I'm his doll. he died," Martinez joked.
Martinez also revealed about a brief conversation with Mbappe after the 2022 World Cup final. "I say he can be proud of himself and hold his head high because he had a great game and is one of the good players. the best in the world," continued the Argentine goalkeeper. "I also say that I am very happy to play against Mbappe, that he almost alone brought the victory for France. Mbappe is a boy with great talent. When I faced him directly, I realized Mbappe was different. When Lionel Messi retires from football, Mbappe will win many Ballon d'Or."
In addition to the actions aimed at Mbappe, Martinez also caused controversy with the act of placing a reward between his legs and leaning forward, when receiving the Best Goalkeeper award at the 2022 World Cup. He expressed regret when asked about the performance. celebrate this: "There are things I wouldn't do again in the same way. Throughout my career I have played against many French players and have never had a problem. You can ask Olivier Giroud who I am. I really like the culture and the spirit of the French people."
According to the 30-year-old goalkeeper, he celebrated so spontaneously just to tease his teammates and did not mean to disrespect anyone. "I did this at the Copa America and my teammates told me not to celebrate like that anymore. Even Messi said the same. I did it just to make fun of them. Everything happened in a second and that was it. ", said Martinez.
In the 2022 World Cup final, Mbappe scored a hat-trick to help France draw 3-3 with Argentina, but lost 2-4 on penalties. France was dethroned, and Argentina became the first South American team to win the World Cup since 2002 with Brazil's title. In the 22 World Cups that have taken place, South American teams have won 10 times, two fewer titles than Europe.
