Neal Maupay reveals how his antics in infamous Arsenal clash began spiral of events that won Argentina the World Cup
NEAL MAUPAY has cheekily taken the credit for Emiliano Martinez becoming a World Cup winner – and says the goalie “should be grateful” to him.
The Brentford striker, 27, was involved in a furious melee with the Aston Villa star on Sunday after the keeper’s theatrics following two clashes with the Frenchman.
The 31-year-old first threw himself to the turf after being barged by Maupay and then shoved the ex-Everton ace to the ground moments later in retaliation.
Martinez, who looked fuming with his rival’s reaction to his shove, then grabbed his rival’s shirt to try and drag him up onto his feet, but that only led to more players getting involved.
Brentford’s social media accounts then hilariously trolled Martinez by wishing him well in his “recovery from injury”.
Now Maupay has followed that up with a tongue-in-cheek jibe about how he helped launch Martinez’s career after he was involved in a collision with then Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno three years ago that accidentally injured the German.
Martinez had played the role of backup throughout his decade at the Emirates and had not even earned a cap for his country.
However, that Leno injury saw him finally given a chance and he excelled for the Gunners, helping them to FA Cup glory, before moving on to Villa the following summer.
Martinez has since become Argentina’s No1 and lifted the Copa America before winning the World Cup 12 months ago.
Now Maupay has jokingly taken the credit as he told SPORTbible: “I got so many messages saying ‘you basically won the World Cup’.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
“Obviously, because Leno got injured in contact with me and then (Martinez) got to play and then play for Argentina blah blah. He should be grateful shouldn’t he.”
Maupay added: “It was so unfortunate that Leno got injured.
“I’m on very good terms with him now he’s at Fulham. I never tried to hurt him.”