flag
back Back
Emi Martinez slated by former Arsenal team-mate as he reveals Aston Villa star used to be completely different person

Emi Martinez was apparently not as brash during his humble beginnings at Arsenal

EMILIANO MARTINEZ has come in for a scathing attack from his one-time Arsenal clubmate Samir Nasri.

The keeper earned legend status at Aston Villa with two penalty saves during Thursday's Europa Conference League triumph at Lille.

Aston Villa ace Emi Martinez was slammed by a former Arsenal team-mate for his antics
Aston Villa ace Emi Martinez was slammed by a former Arsenal team-mate for his antics
Ex-Arsenal star Samir Nasri is not impressed with Martinez's antics
Ex-Arsenal star Samir Nasri is not impressed with Martinez's antics

Martinez wound up home fans with a series of shushing gestures during the shoot-out as Villa clinched their place in the semi-finals.

The Argentine was already unpopular in France following his antics in the 2022 World Cup final.

He first denied Randal Kolo Muani a certain late winner before using mind games to help his side win on penalties.

Martinez, 31, has now incurred the wrath of former France midfielder Nasri.

The 36-year-old spent the 2010-11 season at Arsenal alongside the keeper, who had arrived from home-country club Independiente.

Future Manchester City ace Nasri told Canal Plus: "Martinez's behaviour annoys me, all the more because he didn't used to be like that before.

"I knew him at Arsenal, when he was very young, and then he used to be very low-key.

"But now that kind of behaviour has become his stock in trade.

Most read in Football

"When you save a penalty you have no need to wind up the opposing fans by telling them 'shush.'

"I think that is very borderline conduct, especially as he doesn't need to do it to show he exists.

Emiliano Martinez gets emotional in live Sky Sports interview while talking about his love for Arsenal

"He made that key save from Kolo Muani, there was that penalty shootout against France, and now once more against Lille.

"He doesn't need to say 'shush' to get people talking about him."

Martinez has stood out for Aston Villa between the sticks
Martinez has stood out for Aston Villa between the sticks

You may like

Arsenal to ‘accept offers’ for trio to ‘fund’ £80m Guimaraes signing and swerve avoid PSR breach

football365.com a day ago

Emmanuel Adebayor admits he’s ‘not a big fan’ of £280k-a-week Arsenal ace for one reason

arsenalinsider.com 2 days ago

Declan Rice transfer clause Arsenal may regret amid West Ham Premier League title race incentive

football.london 15 hours ago

The Premier League top six head-to-head table of 2023-24: Aston Villa holding their own…

planetfootball.com 13 hours ago

Arsenal EXCLUSIVE: Record deal for Bruno Guimaraes ON as Edu is given genuine transfer belief

teamtalk.com 14 hours ago

Reporter says he thinks £26m player has agreed to join Arsenal

tbrfootball.com 9 hours ago

Former Chelsea and Arsenal star could achieve landmark FIFA ruling after legal challenge

football.london 2 days ago

£110,000-a-week Arsenal player has told another club he wants to join them, looks set to go

tbrfootball.com 2 days ago

£9m ace nearing league title win after leaving Tottenham Hotspur in 2023

thespurs.news 12 hours ago