Kylian Mbappe dismisses Emiliano Martinez taunts - 'I don't waste any energy on such futile things'
Updated 29/12/2022 at 10:17 GMT
Kylian Mbappe would not be drawn on Emiliano Martinez's behaviour in the aftermath of Argentina's win over France in the World Cup final. Martinez has targeted the Paris Saint-Germain forward since the match with a number of cruel taunts. Mbappe is focused on doing his talking on the pitch and did not seem fazed by the Aston Villa goalkeeper's antics.
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Kylian Mbappe has spoken out following Emiliano Martinez’s inflammatory antics towards him in the aftermath of Argentina’s victory over France in the World Cup final.
Martinez has been criticised for a string of controversial antics since the win, and most notably held a baby doll with a Mbappe mask taped over its head during Argentina’s victory parade in Buenos Aires.
His targeting of the French forward began in the dressing-room celebrations after the match, with Martinez jokingly asking for a minute’s silence for the PSG striker.
This was despite Martinez appearing to be one of the first Argentina players to console Mbappe after the match.
However, Mbappe refused to add further fuel to the fire when quizzed about Martinez’s antics, and revealed his conversation with club team-mate Lionel Messi following Argentina’s victory.
“I don't waste any energy on such futile things,” said Mbappe in quotes published by the Daily Mail.
“What's important for me is to give the best of myself for my club, and we're looking forward for Leo (Messi) to return to continue scoring and winning matches.
“I talked with him (Messi) after the match (World Cup final), I congratulated him. It was a life's goal for him, for me as well, but I failed, so you must always remain a good sportsman.
“Personally, I will never get over it (losing the final). But my club is not responsible for this failure of our team, (so) I've tried to return with the most positive energy possible.”
It is believed that Martinez’s bizarre behaviour can be explained by Mbappe’s comments made before the tournament, diminishing the quality of opposition which Argentina and Brazil face compared to the European nations.
Mbappe said: “The advantage we have in Europe is that we play among ourselves with high-level matches all the time, such as the Nations League.
“When we arrive at the World Cup, we are ready, where Brazil and Argentina do not have this level in South America. Football is not as advanced as in Europe. That's why at the last World Cups, it's always the Europeans who win.”
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The La Albiceleste shot-stopper responded to those words and said: “He said that the level of South America is lower than the European level because he did not play there.
“If you do not have the experience then it is difficult to comment, but nothing was wrong with what he said. They know we are a world class team and they respect us for that.”
Martinez won the Golden Glove award for his performances in Qatar, but made a lewd gesture with the trophy by holding it over his private parts in the post-match presentations.
His antics have drawn plenty of criticism, including from Chris Sutton, who branded his actions “pretty despicable.”
The 30-year-old is expected to make his return to action for Aston Villa in their Premier League clash away at Tottenham on New Year’s Day.
Robin Olsen deputised in Martinez's absence as Villa were beaten 3-1 by Liverpool on Boxing Day.
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