Emi Martinez downplays his controversial celebrations after World Cup triumph

Emiliano Martinez has attempted to defuse the controversy he caused by his celebrations after Argentina's World Cup triumph by insisting he 'loves the French'.

The Aston Villa stopper played an integral role in his nation winning the showpiece tournament in Qatar at the end of last year, starring throughout.

Having saved two penalties in their penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the quarter-final, he produced similar heroics in the final.

After pulling off a superb last-gasp save from Randal Kolo Muani at the end of extra time, he saved Kingsley Coman's spot-kick, while Aurelien Tchouameni also put his effort wide after Martinez performed several distraction tactics.

However, Martinez went on to received significant criticism for his antics after Argentina's triumph.

Firstly, the Villa keeper played mind games with Tchouameni as he threw the ball away from the French midfielder before the Real Madrid youngster struck his penalty wide.

Then, after winning the Golden Glove award, he was pictured making a rude gesture with the gong as he held it over his private parts.

Martinez also brutally mocked Kylian Mbappe during Argentina's dressing room celebrations by calling for a minute's silence for the French striker.

He continued to taunt the PSG star by holding a baby doll with Mbappe's face on it during Argentina's World Cup victory parade around Buenos Aires.

This led to Martinez being labelled as 'the most hated Argentine' by French press.

However, after being awarded the FIFA Best Men's goalkeeper of the year at a star-studded awards ceremony in Paris on Monday, the 30-year-old tried to downplay his taunts and actions following their triumph and insisted it was nothing personal.

'Seriously, it was just a football match,' he told French TV channel TMC.

'Honestly, I love France. I've come here plenty of times on vacation. I love the French. I shared a room with two French players from Aston Villa.

'And as I said before, Arsenal had lots of great players. Arsene Wenger is a legend and he now works for FIFA. It was good to see him again.'

The keeper also heaped praise on Les Bleus after they came so close to winning back-to-back World Cups.

He added: 'Frankly, they did the impossible to try to win the World Cup, they won the Nations League last time (in 2021).

'They have reached the final and a great future awaits them.'