Emi Martinez still yearns for more, credits family drive behind his football success

The way Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez operated under the bar in Argentina’s triumphant World Cup campaign in 2022 and runners-up finish this year carried a huge amount of significance. Besides, it underlined his strong mindset, which has benefited Chelsea in this English Premier League.

Having undergone jaw surgery after a head collision late during the Everton game last Saturday, the Argentine goalkeeper will be on the sidelines for a few weeks.

Mike Penders, 21, is set to don the keeper’s gloves in Chelsea’s away encounter against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Until he sustained the injury at Everton, Martinez had made four saves in that game and, as many as 25 in his six appearances so far for the five-time Premier League champions.

Given his mental strength, Martinez can hope for a quick return. And this strong mentality is something he has inherited.

“Yeah, it comes from my family,” Martinez said in an interview shared exclusively with The Telegraph by JioStar. “My mom and dad worked 12, 13 hours a day to feed my brother and me. They gave me the desire to be successful in life.

“Becoming a footballer then was about giving my family a better life. That drive is still there in my football career... Doesn’t matter where I reach, I just want more. I want my kids to see how nothing is easy in life,” Martinez said.

“I’m all passion. I give my 100 per cent every game, and when you see me play, in training or in a game, I give you my all.”

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