Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has revealed he played through a broken finger during the club’s stunning Europa League final victory over SC Freiburg.
The Argentine shot-stopper suffered the injury during the warm-up before kick-off but still went on to complete the match and keep a clean sheet as Villa secured a dominant 3-0 win to lift their first European trophy in 44 years.
Goals from Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendia and Morgan Rogers sealed a famous night for Unai Emery’s side in Istanbul.
Martinez admitted the injury immediately caused problems, but he refused to let it stop him from playing in one of the biggest matches in the club’s modern history.
“What we achieved tonight was beautiful. I feel proud and the feeling I keep growing match after match,” the goalkeeper told ESPN. “Today I broke my finger during warmups, but I didn’t see it as a bad thing.
“I’ve never broken a finger before and every time I tried to catch the ball, the finger would just slip away in the other direction.
“But, these are just things you have to go through.”
Despite the setback, Martinez produced another commanding performance between the sticks as Villa controlled the final from start to finish.
The World Cup winner also spoke emotionally about his connection with the club and supporters after helping end Villa’s long wait for continental silverware.
“The truth is that the fans and the club are like family to me,” Martinez added. “Every time I step out to defend the Aston Villa goal, I do so with immense pride.
“Today, I tried to pour in all my experience, and all those training sessions that no one ever sees and finally bore fruit today.”
The triumph marks another major milestone under manager Unai Emery, with Villa now firmly re-established among Europe’s elite after a remarkable campaign.
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