That’s one way to keep your World Cup winner’s medal safe! Emiliano Martinez shows off his new £20,000 guard dog, used by the US Navy Seals and SAS, after returning home following his controversial celebrations in Qatar
Argentina World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez has shown off his £20,000 guard dog – a similar breed to those used by the SAS and US Navy Seals.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper posted an Instagram video of the protection dog in action with an ‘intruder’ feeling the full force of its sharp teeth as they tried to ‘attack’ his wife Mandinha outside their home.
It was reported last week that Martinez, who won the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper as Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar, had bought the dog to protect his home, family and medals.
Argentine World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez has posted an Instagram video showing off his new £20,000 protection dog
The Aston Villa goalkeeper is keen to protect his home, family and World Cup medals
Martinez has bought a Belgian Malinois guard dog, similar to those used by elite forces in combat zones. They cost at least £20,000 and can weight up to 30kg.
Martinez made the purchase from Elite Protection Dogs with a view to protect his family in the West Midlands as well as his World Cup winner’s medal.
Several stars have looked to boost their security in recent years, with dozens of top-flight footballers having had their homes targeted by thieves.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris are among stars from football to have bought guard dogs from the company in the past.
Martinez caused controversy with his crude antics with the World Cup Golden Glove award
Martinez played a prominent role as Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar last month
Former England stars Ashley Cole and Jack Wilshere, and heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson Fury, have also used the company.
His celebrations back in Buenos Aires sparked controversy as he goaded France’s Mbappe by holding a baby doll with the star’s face on it during Argentina’s parade.
Martinez also made an obscene gesture after being awarded the Golden Glove for the tournament’s best keeper, which led to further criticisms of his actions.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is among football stars to buy guard dogs to protect his home
Several sporting stars have turned to guard dogs to help enhance their security arrangements
His club boss, Unai Emery, was asked about his goalkeeper’s antics out in Qatar and confirmed he would ask Martinez to ‘control his emotions’ from now on.
Reports from Spain claim that Emery is keen to sell Martinez in January having been unimpressed by his post-World Cup antics.
Having returned from Argentina, Martinez wasn’t involved in Villa’s 2-0 win at Tottenham on New Year’s Day but did take the gloves for the 1-1 draw at home to Wolves three days later.
Martinez was on the bench as Villa are stunned by League Two Stevenage in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
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