Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper for Argentina who won the World Cup in 2022, said that he traveled to Bangladesh to “repay the faith of the millions of fans” who backed their national team during the tournament.
During an open and honest conversation that took place yesterday at the Dhaka office of Next Ventures, the firm that organized the short visit of the 30-year-old football player to Bangladesh, he discussed his early challenges, his attitude about the game of football, as well as his philosophy regarding life.
“I was aware of the people of Bangladesh and their obsession with Argentina; nevertheless, once we triumphed in the Copa America, the marketing guys told me that there were many supporters in Bangladesh. ‘Then I began looking about Bangladesh, and during the World Cup, what I witnessed was insane,’ the goalie, who is now employed by the Premier League club Aston Villa, said during the interview.
Martinez said that “one of the reasons I decided to come was to repay the love,” and he went on to say that he would love to come with the rest of the Argentina squad to play a match here. “One of the reasons I decided to come was to repay the love,” Martinez remarked.
During the course of the conversation, the native of Mar del Plata described the early challenges he faced and the sacrifices he made in order to develop into a better professional and a better person.
“I moved out when I was 12 years old to pursue a career as a professional football player and provide for my family…Martinez remarked, “Over the years, I’ve become obsessed with the idea of improving both myself as a person and as a player.” “I don’t smoke; I don’t drink…I gave up going to nightclubs in order to train. In order to succeed, you are going to have to eliminate a number of different things.
Martinez relived the circumstances from the World Cup final when he stopped a shot from France’s Kolo Muani right at the finish and then stopped a pair of attempts in the penalty shoot-out to assist the Albiceleste win their third World Cup. Martinez’s saves helped the Albiceleste win their third World Cup and helped Argentina become the first team to win three World Cups. He displayed the tattoo of the World Cup trophy that was etched on his left thigh, which was the leg that made the legendary save against Muani.
When the interviews, which included two senior executives of NEXT Ventures and State Minister for ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, questioned the Argentine goalie what made him so competitive, he said, “The obsession and passion I have got, I don’t think many have.” I believe that many other goalkeepers have more skill than I do, but I don’t think many other goalkeepers put in as much effort or have as much enthusiasm as I do… I never relax. When I reach the point where I am most at ease, I’ll hang up my cleats and call it a career.