Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez delays surgery for World Cup final
Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has revealed he is playing through daily pain at the World Cup after delaying surgery on a fractured finger.
The 33-year-old suffered the injury on 20 May during the warm-up before his club’s 3-0 Europa League final victory over Freiburg in Istanbul.
Despite multiple specialists in the United States and England recommending an immediate operation, the Argentine number one chose to strap the digit and play on.
He subsequently missed the final day Premier League victory over Manchester City, alongside national team warm-up fixtures against Honduras and Iceland, to manage the issue.
Putting his body on the line
The experienced shot-stopper admitted that his hand remains a constant source of discomfort, but a message of unwavering support from his national team coach convinced him to persevere.
“My hand still hurts every day; I knew it was going to be extremely painful.”
“I avoided surgery, even though all the specialists I consulted in the United States and England told me I needed to have it.”
The South American star revealed he was unable to train during the group stages, but his condition has steadily improved since their last-16 tie against Egypt.
A shot at further global glory
Transfer speculation currently links the goalkeeper with Juventus, however his sole focus remains on securing a fourth star for Argentina against Spain in New Jersey this Sunday.
Reflecting on his journey, the reigning champion admitted he is enjoying this tournament significantly more than their previous campaign in Qatar.
“I suffered a lot after the Saudi Arabia match in Qatar.”
“I didn’t face many shots, yet I conceded goals. I think I’m playing better with my feet now.”
He also dismissed old comments suggesting he would retire if he won two global titles, insisting the remark was purely humorous banter with his teammates.
Looking ahead to the final, the charismatic guardian emphasised that projecting calmness from the back is essential to reassure his talented colleagues as they push for further historic success.