Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by
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
Published: 10:17, 10 January 2023 | Updated: 10:24, January 10, 2023
Argentina’s World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez has shown off his £20,000 guard dog, a breed similar to that used by the SAS and US Navy Seals.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper posted an Instagram video of the guard 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 for best goalkeeper when Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar, had bought the dog to protect his home, family and medals.
Argentina World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez has posted a video on Instagram showing off his new £20,000 guard dog
Aston Villa goalkeeper keen to protect home, family and World Cup medals
Martinez has purchased a Belgian Malinois guard dog, similar to those used by elite forces in combat zones. They cost at least £20,000 and can weigh up to 30kg.
Martinez made the purchase from Elite Protection Dogs with the aim of protecting his family in the West Midlands as well as his World Cup winner’s medal.
A number of stars have sought to increase their security in recent years, with dozens of top-flight footballers having their homes targeted by burglars.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris are among the football stars who have bought watchdogs from the company in the past.
Martínez caused controversy with his dirty antics with the World Cup Golden Glove
Martinez played a prominent role as Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar last month
Former England stars Ashley Cole and Jack Wilshere, and world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, have also used the company.
His celebrations in Buenos Aires sparked controversy as he booed France’s Mbappe by holding a doll with the star’s face during the Argentine parade.
Martínez also made an obscene gesture after receiving the Golden Glove for the tournament’s best goalkeeper, prompting further criticism of his actions.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is among football stars to buy guard dogs to protect his home
Several sports stars have turned to guard dogs to help improve their security measures
His club boss Unai Emery was asked about his goalkeeper’s antics in Qatar and confirmed he would ask Martinez to “control his emotions” from now on.
Reports in Spain claim Emery is keen to sell Martinez in January, having been impressed by his post-World Cup antics.
Having returned from Argentina, Martinez did not feature 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 against Wolves three days later.
Martinez was on the bench as Villa are stunned by League Two side Stevenage in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.