EMI MARTINEZ is winding up the French again — with an Argentina hat and his nation’s colours dyed into his hair.
The Aston Villa keeper, who was the 2022 World Cup final penalty shoot-out hero against France, wore a baseball cap which appeared to mock his hosts as he arrived for the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
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Villa boss Unai Emery has warned his goalkeeper to “control his emotions” ahead of the quarter-final first leg at Parc des Princes.
But Martinez was up to his usual “s***house” antics by donning a cap that showed the FOUR international titles he has won with Argentina — and featured a French cockerel drawn in pen.
Martinez, 32, also seemed to have the blue and white Argentina flag coloured into the side of his head.
He normally dyes his hair like that for international duty but has seemingly left it in this time to mock Les Bleus.
But Emery, who also managed Martinez at Arsenal, insisted: “He is mature and responsible. He’s getting better at controlling his emotion.
“Since he arrived in Aston Villa five or six years ago, he is a different Emiliano Martínez.
“He is more mature, he is a better player, a better goalkeeper. He is the best goalkeeper in the world.
“My conversation with him is always the same — focus on the football, focus on the individual challenges. And try to control your emotions.”
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As well as his heroics, Martinez’s gameship made him public enemy No 1 in France and he was barracked throughout Villa’s Conference League tie in Lille last season.
Emery added: “Football is about understanding the supporters and how they support their team.
“It’s only football. Our fans are going to support us and their fans will support Paris. Hopefully, everything will be respectful.”
Midfielder Youri Tielemans made light of Martinez’s antics.
He said: “I don’t really care what he does. I’m just here to play the game and whatever happens with Emi happens — as long as it stays respectful.
“That’s just his style. He’s ready and has not spoken any differently than before any other game. He is focused and he’s looking forward to it.”
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