Emiliano Martínez reveals lifelong injury impact from World Cup

Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez has opened up about the lasting physical consequences of an injury sustained just weeks before the World Cup. Speaking with journalist Gastón Edul, the goalkeeper revealed that he still cannot fully bend the ring finger on his right hand.

Martínez suffered the fracture before the tournament began but decided to proceed with his dream of representing Argentina. To allow him to play, the medical staff engineered a custom protective guard integrated directly into his glove. This innovation enabled him to play every match and establish himself as a pivotal figure in Lionel Scaloni's squad.

Emiliano Martínez: "It's this one, I can't bend it well. It stayed like this after the World Cup and it will stay like this for life." Emiliano Martínez

Despite the permanent injury, Martínez continues to perform at an elite level for both his club and the national team. Off the pitch, his family has also seen developments in England, as his wife, Mandinha Martínez, recently opened Fox & Fern, an innovative children's development center inspired by their experience as parents.