Berliner Tageszeitung - Villa's Emiliano Martinez winds up PSG with cap

The Argentine was pictured on the English club's social media account wearing a cap showing a French cockerel alongside the Argentina badge and the four trophies he has won with the national team.

Martinez frustrated France supporters with his provocative behaviour during the penalty shootout victory in the 2002 World Cup final in Qatar. His save from Kingsley Coman after arguing with the referee helped Lionel Messi's Argentina to victory.

He then sparked anger in France by brandishing a doll of Kylian Mbappe during Argentina's victory celebrations in Buenos Aires.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said though 32-year-old Martinez had matured compared in recent seasons.

"He is mature. He is responsible. He is getting better at controlling his emotions. I was working with him in Arsenal as well, before I arrived here in Aston Villa," Emery said in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

"I think compared with when he arrived at Aston Villa five years ago and now, he is a different Emiliano.

"I think he is more mature. He is a better player, a better goalkeeper and now my conversation with him is always the same. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world -- he got the award for it here in Paris."

Emery added: "Now focus on football, focus on individual challenges you have and try to manage as well everything you are achieving and the levels you are breaking. Try to control the emotions it brings you."

Aston Villa are seeking to reach the Champions League semi-finals in their first participation in the competition since 1983 but they face a PSG side who impressed in knocking out Liverpool in the last round and who secured the Ligue 1 crown at the weekend.

A. Williams--BTZ