EMI MARTINEZ has revealed that he threatened to beat up his Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero during the World Cup final.
The goalkeeper proved to be the hero in the penalty shoot-out as Argentina won the World Cup for the third time.
AFPEmi Martinez threatened to beat up Cristian Romero, right, at half-time in the World Cup final[/caption]
He also denied Randall Kolo Muani when the striker was through one-on-one in the dying moments of extra-time.
However Martinez feared his side could have thrown the match away early on after witnessing defender Romero challenge Kylian Mbappe in a two-footed lunge.
Martinez, 31, revealed he confronted the Tottenham star at half-time and threatened to beat him up if he got sent off.
The Aston Villa keeper told Star+: “In the final, Cuti Romero went with two feet against Mbappe.
“At half time I grabbed him by the shirt and said: ‘If you get sent off I’ll beat you up’.”
Goals from Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi put Argentina 2-0 up in the final before France produced a late comeback inspired by Kylian Mbappe.
Messi put his side in front in extra-time before Mbappe added his third, but Argentina came on top in the shoot-out thanks in part to Martinez.
Martinez, 31, has impressed for Villa this season and produced a wonderful double save in the 1-0 win over Manchester City last week.
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That led Arsenal fans to claim he was “still a Gooner” as he helped them out in the title race, only to keep a clean sheet against the Gunners as Villa won 1-0 again on Saturday.
Martinez’s performances have attracted interest from Bayern Munich but Villa will likely reject any approach, with the goalie under contract until 2027.