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That’s one way to keep your World Cup winner’s medal safe! Emiliano Martinez shows off his new £20,000 guard dog, used by US Navy Seals and SAS, after returning home from his controversial celebrations in Qatar
Argentina’s World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez has shown off his £20,000 guard dog, a breed similar to those used by the SAS and US Navy Seals.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper scored a instagram video of the guard dog in action with an ‘intruder’ feeling the full force of their sharp teeth as they tried to ‘attack’ his wife Mandinha outside their home.
It was reported last week that Martinez, who won the Gold Glove for best goalkeeper when Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar, had bought the dog to protect his home, family and medals.
Argentine World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez has posted an Instagram video showing off his new £20,000 protection dog
The Aston Villa goalkeeper is eager to protect his home, family and World Cup medals.
Martinez has purchased a Belgian Malinois guard dog, similar to those used by elite forces in combat zones. They cost at least £20,000 and can weigh up to 30kg.
Martinez made the purchase from Elite Protection Dogs in order to protect his family in the West Midlands, as well as his World Cup winner’s medal.
Several stars have sought to increase their security in recent years, with dozens of top footballers having their homes attacked by burglars.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris are among soccer stars who have bought watchdogs from the company in the past.
Martínez caused controversy with his rude antics with the World Cup Gold Glove award
Martinez played a prominent role when Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar last month.
Former England stars Ashley Cole and Jack Wilshere, and world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, have also used the company.
His celebrations in Buenos Aires sparked controversy when he goaded France’s Mbappé by holding a doll with the star’s face during Argentina’s parade.
Martínez also made an obscene gesture after receiving the Gold Glove for the tournament’s best goalkeeper, drawing further criticism for his actions.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is among soccer stars who bought guard dogs to protect their home.
Several sports stars have turned to watchdogs to help improve their security arrangements.
His club boss Unai Emery was asked about his goalkeeper’s antics in Qatar and confirmed that he would ask Martinez to “control his emotions” from now on.
Reports from Spain claim that Emery is keen to sell Martinez in January, having been left unimpressed by his post-World Cup antics.
Having returned from Argentina, Martínez did not feature in Villa’s 2-0 win at Tottenham on New Year’s Day, but donned his gloves for a 1-1 home draw against Wolves three days later.
Martinez was on the bench when Villa were stunned by League Two Stevenage in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.