Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has told ESPN Argentina that he would try to bring Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi to Villa Park in the summer.
The forward’s deal in Paris expires at the end of the season and several reports have indicated he’s set to leave the Ligue 1 side. He has also been at the receiving end of criticism from a section of PSG fans recently.
Martínez isn’t pleased with this and has explained what he would do to convince the former Barcelona star to join him at Aston Villa.
“If Leo is whistled, I would bring him to Aston Villa. I bait him with a mate (the hot drink you often see South Americans sharing), I’d make roasts for him every weekend, I’d ask people to make little flags for him and he has a good time. I will reduce my salary for Messi if necessary,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Aston Villa goalkeeper has also opened up on how the World Cup success has helped him to manage himself better, especially after a defeat.
“It has happened to me to lose a game, get home and not talk to anyone. It’s hard to find that balance,” Martínez explained.
“Luckily, I have my wife and my children who help me calm down in those moments of anguish. I have cried for losing a game, I have laughed too much for winning a game. Accepting defeat is not in my blood.
“What I learned the most from the World Cup is peace of mind when it comes to taking care of a result. Because of the pressure I went through, for example when Holland tied us. For having taken France to a 3-3 tie and almost losing it. I suffered so much that now I play the matches with much more experience.”
