Aston Villa star Emi Martinez 'in pain every day' as surgery claim made before World Cup final

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Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has revealed he's been in pain "every day" at the World Cup after fracturing his ring finger pre-tournament.

The incident occurred on May 20 during his warm-up before Villa's 3-0 Europa League final triumph over Freiburg in Istanbul.

The 33-year-old strapped his finger to participate in the contest but was then ruled out of action for up to a month.

Martinez missed the final day 2-1 Premier League win at Manchester City before also skipping Argentina's World Cup warm-up matches against Honduras and Iceland, respectively.

Every surgeon he consulted suggested surgery but he was determined to put his body on the line for his country, explaining: "My hand still hurts every day; I knew it was going to be extremely painful.

"I avoided surgery, even though all the specialists I consulted in the United States and England told me I needed to have it. I couldn't train during the group stage, but from the Round of 16 onwards after Egypt, I stopped thinking about it, and I feel much better.

"The coach sent me a message [before the World Cup] saying, 'No matter what state you're in, I want you on my team.'

"To me, that means more than saving ten penalties or making the front page of the newspaper. And if my moment doesn't come but we win the final, it will mean just as much."

Martinez is the subject of transfer interest from Juventus , though his current focus is adding a fourth star above Argentina's crest in New Jersey against Spain on Sunday.

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He was also asked about a comment he made several years ago, when he jokingly claimed he would retire if he ever won two World Cups.

'Dibu' remembers the remark well but insists it was only humour as he never truly believed it would be possible.

Martinez continued: "Yes, it was with Nico at the AFA training complex. But first we have to win; that’s the only thing I’m focused on.

"We’ve been improving year after year with this team. Sometimes I tear up just thinking about what we’ve achieved. There are still moments of joy and celebration ahead.

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"I’m enjoying this World Cup much more than the last one. I suffered a lot after the Saudi Arabia match in Qatar.

"I didn't face many shots, yet I conceded goals. I only played a decisive role during the penalty shootouts. I think I’m playing better with my feet now. I’ll step onto the pitch on Sunday, and you’ll see me smiling.

"I feel very calm. A goalkeeper’s role goes beyond just making saves during the match; you have to come off your line and project confidence. These are footballing aspects that reassure my teammates, I need to show them I’m composed.

"When they see that, they - being such talented players - can focus on pushing forward. We’ve managed to score a lot of goals this World Cup, and so far, we’ve conceded one fewer than in the last tournament."