Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has stirred controversy by attempting to provoke Paris Saint-Germain fans with a baseball cap mocking France’s defeat to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final as he arrived for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final.
The Argentine was photographed on Aston Villa’s social media wearing a cap featuring a French cockerel alongside the Argentina badge and the four trophies he has won with the national team.
Martinez had already angered French supporters with his provocative actions during the penalty shootout in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, where his save against Kingsley Coman helped Argentina secure victory.
He later fueled further outrage in France by waving a doll of Kylian Mbappe during Argentina’s victory celebrations in Buenos Aires.
Despite his past antics, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery stated that Martinez, 32, has shown signs of maturity in recent seasons.
“He is mature. He is responsible. He is getting better at controlling his emotions. I was working with him in Arsenal as well, before I arrived here in Aston Villa,” Emery said in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
“I think compared with when he arrived at Aston Villa five years ago and now, he is a different Emiliano.
“I think he is more mature. He is a better player, a better goalkeeper and now my conversation with him is always the same. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world — he got the award for it here in Paris.”
Emery added: “Now focus on football, focus on individual challenges you have and try to manage as well everything you are achieving and the levels you are breaking. Try to control the emotions it brings you.”
Aston Villa are seeking to reach the Champions League semi-finals in their first participation in the competition since 1983 but they face a PSG side who impressed in knocking out Liverpool in the last round and who secured the Ligue 1 crown at the weekend.