Fans are only just realising Emi Martinez’s real name as World Cup winner prepares to face former team Arsenal
FOOTBALL fans are only just realising that Emiliano Martinez is not the goalkeeper’s proper name.
The Aston Villa star has been known as Emiliano Martinez since his time at Arsenal.
However, the World Cup winner’s real name is Damian Martinez. Emiliano is his middle name.
The 30-year-old is also nicknamed ‘Dibu’ after an animated character in the Argentine TV show Mi familia es un dibujo.
And fans on social media are shocked, as one tweeted: “I was today years old when I found out Emi Martínez’s real name is Damian Martínez.”
A second commented: “Is Damian Martinez not Emi?”
A third said: “I was so confused when I looked, I thought Emi was his name for yonks.”
A fourth added: “You and me both.”
Another believed he made the change after a poor game in goal for Arsenal against Anderlecht in 2014, they wrote: “Emi was so bad against Anderlecht that he stopped going by Damian Martinez and started going by Emi.”
Whatever his name is, Martinez has become one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League.
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During his time at Arsenal he helped them to an FA Cup victory before making a transfer to Aston Villa.
Since moving to Villa Park, he has become the first choice stopper for Argentina and played a key role in their World Cup victory in Qatar.