Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka sent a congratulatory message to former teammate Emiliano Martinez after the goalkeeper played a starring role in Argentina’s Copa America victory on Sunday.
Taking on Brazil at the Maracana, Lionel Scaloni’s men escaped with victory after Angel di Maria’s delectable chip secured the trophy.
Whilst the Paris Saint-Germain forward was officially the match-winner, former Arsenal man Martinez was also as pivotal.
The goalkeeper, who departed the Emirates Stadium to join Aston Villa last summer, only made two saves to keep the Selecao at bay, but did manage to deny the likes of Neymar, Gabriel Barbosa, Roberto Firmino and Richarlison the pleasure of lifting the trophy.
It was Martinez’s fourth clean sheet of the competition, having already kept out Uruguay, Paraguay and Ecuador on route to the final.
His form is certainly no surprise to Premier League fans with the Argentine having performed excellently for Arsenal in Bernd Leno’s absence, whilst he also racked up 15 clean sheets in the league last season for Villa - that figure only being bettered by the likes of Ederson and Eduoard Mendy.
Following his nation’s victory, Martinez took to Instagram to hail Argetina superstar Lionel Messi, who lifted his first international title.
He wrote: “We did it for all Argentines, proud to be Argentinian, @leomessi all yours animal.”
Former Gunners’ team-mate Xhaka replied to the post with his own message.
The Swiss midfielder said: “congrats brother”
Meanwhile, former Gunners youth prospect Ignasi Miquel also sent his congratulations.
He wrote: “Big Daddy!! Congratulations”
Elsewhere, Arsenal fans have been sending the same message to current Gunners boss Mikel Arteta regarding his mistake in letting Martinez join Aston Villa last summer.
