Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa's goalkeeper, revealed that he played the Europa League final against Freiburg with a broken finger. He injured himself during warm-up but refused to miss the European trophy match. Despite the severe pain, he stood his ground and kept the net clean in Villa's 3-0 triumph.

"I Would Die for My Teammates"

"During the warm-up before the final, I broke my finger. It wasn't easy, and it still hurts, but it's all part of the process. Such things happen. I didn't have a chance to not play and be injured. I told my teammates before the match that I would die on the field defending our net tonight. We've been together for so long and know each other perfectly."

Asked if he felt pressure before the match, given that this was his fifth final in his career and that he had won all four previous ones, Martinez responded, "I didn't think about that. I know I haven't lost a final in my career. I believe in myself ever since I left Argentina. I'm proud to defend this team and these boys, and I told them I was ready to die for them."

Martinez left his native Argentina at 17 when Arsenal called him to England. He transferred to Aston Villa six years ago. He has shone for both club and country Argentina. He continued his perfect record in major finals the previous night.

Martinez's Final Record:

  • FA Cup 2020 with Arsenal, 2-1 win over Chelsea
  • Copa America 2021 with Argentina, 1-0 win over Brazil
  • FIFA World Cup 2022 with Argentina, 3-3 draw against France, win on penalties
  • Copa America 2.024 with Argentina, 1-0 win over Colombia
  • Europa League 2026 with Aston Villa, 3-0 win over Freiburg