The world champion in France 1998 considers that the celebration of the Argentine goalkeeper tarnished the title obtained by the Albiceleste
The coach of Crystal Palace, Patrick Vieira, considers that the "stupid" celebration of the Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez tarnished Argentina's victory in the World Cup final.
Martínez was one of the main architects of the title achieved against France in the penalty shootout. He made a saving save against Randal Kolo Muani in extra time and then stopped Kingsley Coman's penalty shootout kick.
But then the Albiceleste goalkeeper was seen making an obscene gesture after winning the golden glove for the best goalkeeper of the Qatari tournament.
Later, during Argentina's victorious parade in Buenos Aires, he was seen holding a doll with the face covered by a photograph of France's star forward Kylian Mbappé, who scored a hat-trick in the final.
"Some of the images I saw of the Argentine goalkeeper, I think diminish a little what Argentina achieved in the World Cup," said Vieira, world champion with France in 1998.
"I really think they didn't need that. Sometimes you can't control people's emotional decisions. But Martínez's decision to do that was stupid," he added.
Martínez, 30, will return to Birmingham next week. His coach Unai Emery is waiting for him there with the intention of talking to 'Dibu' Martínez about his controversial behavior.
"When you feel great emotion, sometimes it's hard to control it," estimated Emery in statements to reporters in England this Friday.
"I will talk to him next week about the celebrations. We are proud of him, he has won the World Cup with his national team and it's something incredible," added the Spanish coach. AFP