A massive sacrifice in the Istanbul final: 'A championship won with a broken finger'

In the UEFA Europa League final played at Tüpraş Stadium, English side Aston Villa defeated German representative Freiburg 3-0 to take the trophy home. Following the historic victory, it was revealed that Aston Villa's world-famous goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez played the match with a broken finger.

The curtains closed in Istanbul on the UEFA Europa League, the second-tier competition of European football. In the massive final hosted by Tüpraş Stadium last night, Aston Villa, who eased their nerves with two consecutive goals in the final minutes of the first half against Freiburg, left the pitch with a clear 3-0 victory, marking a historic triumph. While the joy of the trophy among the English team's players and fans left its mark on the night, the hero of the evening was the Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

''HE TOOK A HUGE RISK WITH THE WORLD CUP AROUND THE CORNER''

The 33-year-old experienced goalkeeper, who was named the best goalkeeper of the last World Cup held in Qatar and led Messi's Argentina to the world championship with his penalty saves, did not leave his club Aston Villa alone despite the upcoming new World Cup tournament. It was learned that Martinez defied the pain to guard the goal despite a severe injury he suffered just before the final match.

"I BROKE MY FINGER WHILE WARMING UP"

Appearing before the press with his medal after the match, the legendary goalkeeper recounted those painful moments that the stadium cameras did not notice and the great sacrifice he made with the following words:

"I broke my finger during the pre-match warm-up today. But for me, there is always a good side to every bad thing. I have done this throughout my life and I will continue to do so. I had never broken my finger before. Every time I hit the ball, my finger was going in the opposite direction. But these are things that happen in football and must be overcome. I am proud to wear the Aston Villa jersey and to win this trophy."

Martinez, who played a lion's share in the 3-0 championship by keeping a clean sheet despite his injury, took his place among the unforgettable figures of the final in Istanbul.

News Source: 12punto