Within 5 years, the life of Emiliano Martínez, better known as 'Dibu', radically changed. The Argentine goalkeeper went from being a substitute at Getafe to becoming an indisputable starter at Aston Villa, he became champion of the Copa America against Brazil at the Maracanã, reached the Finalissima against Italy at Wembley, and has just won the 2022 World Cup with his national team.
The goalkeeper born in Mar del Plata left his home country at the age of 16 to continue his professional development with Arsenal, and although he was far from home for a long time, he always dreamed of defending the Argentine shirt. "I needed to help my family, that's why I made many decisions. And now when I see that I have the Argentine people behind me, it's something enormous," Martínez said in an interview with La Nación.
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What did 'Dibu' Martínez promise his brother?
In 2018, Emiliano Martínez and his brother Alejandro traveled to Russia to support the Argentine national team in the World Cup as simple fans. After suffering the elimination of the Albiceleste team in the round of 16, 'Dibu' made an emotional promise to his brother:
"I'm going to make them see me so they call me up. Don't worry, I'm going to be the goalkeeper of the national team in the next World Cup. It can't be that I'm not there," he said.
Time did its job and a injury to the German Bernd Leno opened the door for him to stand out with the Gunners. Aston Villa put a mountain of money and made him the most expensive Argentine goalkeeper in history. That catapulted him to the national team, where he also did not miss his chance and had a great performance in the Copa America, securing his call-up to the World Cup.
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Alejandro Martínez also shared this anecdote through his Instagram account. "Four years ago in Russia, together, where we said that you were going to play in goal. And here we are, me on the same side and you fulfilling your dream in the place where you belong. 'Evolve so much that those who think they know everything about you have to get to know you again'. Let's go Argentina," the brother of 'Dibu' recounted.
Emiliano Martínez with his brother. Photo: Instagram @alemartinez_1990
Who is Alejandro Martínez and what does he do?
While his brother Emiliano Martínez excels as the goalkeeper of the Argentine national team, Alejandro is considered one of the main exponents of legal car racing.
The oldest of the Martínez brothers has a well-known mechanic workshop that has even been visited by Argentine mayor Guillermo Montenegro and ruling party councilor Fernando Muro to talk about the implementation of the 1/4 mile, acceleration car races that take place on circuits under special safety conditions.
'Dibu' Martínez justifies his controversial gesture after winning the Golden Glove
After receiving the Golden Glove, Emiliano Martínez made a controversial gesture with the trophy, which caused a stir among the international press and fans. Subsequently, he gave an interview to La Red and justified this action.
'Dibu' Martínez saved a penalty in the World Cup final against France. Photo: EFE
"I did it because the French fans were booing me. Arrogance doesn't go with me," he said. He also thanked his family for the support they provided. "I dedicate the cup to my family. I come from a very humble place, I went to England at a very young age. I want to dedicate it to them," he said.