2022 FIFA World Cup

Arsene Wenger Hails Former Arsenal Star For Reaching World Cup Final – See Who

Published

2 years ago

December 15, 2022

InfoExpert24

Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has hailed Emiliano Martinez’s “Grass to Grace” story following the Argentina goalkeeper’s rise from Arsenal’s reserves to keeping at the World Cup.

The 30-year-old joined Arsenal as a teenager under Wenger but was loaned out six times in the ten years he spent with the Gunners as he found playing time difficult to come by.

Martinez has been brilliant between the sticks during Argentina’s dream run to the World Cup final, most notably keeping out two penalties in a quarter-final shootout win over the Netherlands.

Martinez was on top form again in their 3-0 semi-final win over Croatia, which ensured that Lionel Scaloni’s side will get an opportunity to fight for the title on Sunday.

According to the Daily Mail, Wenger has revealed his admiration for the 30-year-old goalkeeper who has been one of Argentina’s standout players at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“I am very happy for him. We were aware of his huge qualities. He was determined and had the desire to learn and a big passion for the game.

“Sometimes he went out on loan and didn’t even play, but it didn’t stop his belief and motivation.”

Martinez whose penalty shoot-out heroics helped Argentina triumph at the 2021 Copa America, will again hope to play a key role when La Albiceleste takes on France in the World Cup final on Sunday.

Martinez joined Arsenal’s academy ranks back in 2012 when Wenger was still in charge of the north London club, but spent the next eight years struggling to break into the senior team.

The Argentine was sent for several loan spells during his time at the Emirates Stadium before finally getting his chance after an injury to Bernd Leno towards the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

Martinez impressed between the sticks for Mikel Arteta’s side but was sold to Aston Villa later that summer, and the Argentine has since insisted that the Gunners ”didn’t deserve” to have him on their books.

Despite his failure to make a mark at Arsenal, Wenger fondly remembers his passion for the game and takes great pride in how far he has come, with the 30-year-old now just one game away from becoming a world champion.

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