Over the past few years, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has regularly impressed for the club and Argentina.
The 32-year-old won the Yashin Award on Monday, which is a prestigious award handed to the best stopper in the world. The Aston Villa star won it last year and retained the award this year.
By doing so, the Argentina international becomes the first player to win the Yashin Award on more than one occasion.
Martínez’s father, Beto Martínez, expressed his joy and happiness over the former Arsenal man’s latest achievement during an interview with Super Deportivo Radio’s Radio Villa Trinidad. His comments are relayed by TyC Sports.
The South American was an integral part of the Aston Villa squad that qualified for the Champions League for the first time in over four decades. He also won the Copa América with the national team in the summer.
“There’s no longer any doubt that he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. As a dad it’s unique. Winning the Yashin Award isn’t very easy, and Emi did it twice. Now there’s no doubt that he is the best goalkeeper in the world,” he said.
On what went through his mind when Emiliano won the award, Beto explained: “When I heard his name, it went through my head, the yard, where he was born, the kids when he went to train…. You can imagine, you start to tear up, it brings back beautiful memories. To come out of a yard and be the best goalkeeper in the world twice, it’s not easy.”
Martínez Sr. explained the Aston Villa star hasn’t changed over the years and this pleases him.
‘I can’t believe he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. I keep crying. I keep getting emotional. The only thing I take with me as a dad is that he never changed. He’s still the same Emi as always, the same teammate and friend as always. He’s still the best son of all. That’s what was good for me, then they win the awards individually,” he added.
