"I'd take them out" - Emi Martinez warns English youngsters, tells them what to do if they want to become successful like Argentina

By Abel Yisa

Modified Mar 27, 2025 06:30 GMT

Argentina v Brazil - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier - Source: Getty

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has said that English youngsters need to work hard if they intend to be successful like Argentina's.

In an interview with bplay, Martinez spoke about the distinctions between Argentina's national team and English football (via Roy Neymar):

"I would kick the youngsters out of the physio at the club. I have the old school culture of Independiente in which the kid has to work hard. Back in England, the youngsters play a game, and, the next day they are 'oh, it hurts,' lying with their cell phones and massaging themselves. I'd take them out and send them away."

Martinez added:

"If they do that, they are not going to get what they want. Here we have 24-year-olds who are already world champions. Enzo, Alexis, Julian and in training they dive head first. That shows that young people are needed, and that they want more."

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Argentine youngsters have played a crucial role in helping their nation win trophies in recent years. Martinez believes that England could achieve similar results if their youngsters become more resilient.

"If we win two (World Cups) in a row, I'm retiring" - Emiliano Martinez on his Argentina future

La Albiceleste’s first-choice goalkeeper has said that he would retire if Argentina wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Martinez added that his retirement would make way for other young goalkeepers to thrive.

In an interview with Bplay, Martinez spoke about his future with La Albiceleste if they win the World Cup (via Roy Neymar):

"If we win two (World Cups) in a row, that's it, I'm retiring from the national team. We have to make room for other young players."

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Martinez played a key role in goal for La Albiceleste during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they emerged as champions. He has also helped his national team win two Copa Americas as well. Winning another World Cup title would be the icing on the cake to end his illustrious international career.

About the author

Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.

A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.

He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.

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Edited by Bhargav