I’ve always wanted to come to India: Emiliano Martinez checks in

The city that has played host to the likes of Pele, Maradona, Messi and Cafu will for the first time play host to a reigning World Cup winner whose heroics in a penalty shootout against France last December gave Argentina its first world title in 36 years.

Calcutta, July 3: Emiliano Martinez, the significant other of Argentina’s third FIFA World Cup triumph, landed here on Monday as the football-mad city continued its appointment with the stars of the spectator sport.

The city that has played host to the likes of Pele, Maradona, Messi and Cafu will for the first time play host to a reigning World Cup winner whose heroics in a penalty shootout against France last December gave Argentina its first world title in 36 years.

Amid tight security arrangements, the 2022 World Cup Golden Glove winner checked into his five-star hotel on EM Bypass. There are plenty of events lined up for Martinez over the next two days.

He was warmly welcomed by Mohun Bagan officials at the airport, where hundreds of Argentine fans waved Albiceleste’s colours.

“I feel great. It’s a wonderful country. I’m happy to be here. I’m very excited. I promised I’m going to India, so I’m here. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to come,” said Martinez at the start of his two-day visit.

Martinez, 30, will spend the morning at his hotel.

His engagements in the city will begin with a program titled ‘Tahader Katha’ in the afternoon where he would interact with approximately 500 school children in Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan.

Then he will go to Mohun Bagan where he will congratulate 10 Bangladeshi goalkeepers including Bhaskar Ganguly and Hemanta Dora.

In the evening, an exhibition game is held between Mohun Bagan All Stars and Kolkata Police All Stars.

On Wednesday, the last day of his trip, Martinez will go to the Sreebhumi Club in Lake Town, where he will be part of the ‘Paanch e Paanch’ program.

He will reward the winners of the program, in addition to participating in a youth football clinic at Santosh Mitra Square.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper flew from Dhaka to the City of Joy where he met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Calling it an “extraordinary” trip, Martinez wrote on his Instagram: “The people here, with their love, care and unparalleled hospitality, have truly melted my heart. I eagerly await my return to this beautiful country in the near future .” Martinez presented Hasina with an autographed Albiceleste jersey and he was also photographed accepting a bajpakhi (hawk).

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Police, the Airport Authority and countless others whose names I may not know, but whose efforts were no less important. You all played a part in creating this special bond that I now share with Bangladesh.

“So until my next visit I say goodbye to you and leave a piece of my heart here. I am forever charmed by baazpakhi from Bangladesh,” said Martinez.

Martinez’s visit adds to the city’s date with football legends.

Famous World Cupper of the then USSR, Lev Yashin visited the city twice – once with the Soviet team touring India in 1955 and as the main guest during the IFA Shield final in 1973.

Kolkata was then on the world football map when Brazilian great Pele along with fellow World Cup man Carlos Alberto visited New York Cosmos for an exhibition match against Mohun Bagan in 1977, generating huge interest from the city crowd.

German and Bayern Munich legend Oliver Kahn retired from competitive football by playing an exhibition match against Mohun Bagan in the summer of 2008.

Gerd Muller, Karl Heinze Rumminiege and Diego Forlan had also honored the city.