Winning the FA Cup clearly meant so much to Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Martinez helped the Gunners beat Chelsea 2-1 in the final at Wembley – producing a fine performance – as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice following Christian Pulisics opener.
Emiliano Martinez was emotional after Arsenal won the FA Cup
Immediately after the game, the goalkeeper was interviewed by the BBC about what this would mean to his family and he couldnt hold back the tears.
He said: “I cant believe it. My family.. I cant talk.
“I said to him [Aubameyang] before the game, you are going to win us the game. He delivered.”
Teammate Aubameyang then took over from the 27-year-old, who couldnt get any more words out.
It has been a long road for Martinez having moved to England to join Arsenal as a 17-year-old.
When the Gunners approached him, his family were struggling financially in his native Argentina and he moved on his own to help them out.
After 10 years on the bench, or on loan at various clubs across England and Europe, he has taken biding your time to a new level.
He graduated to the senior team in 2012 but it took a serious injury to Bernd Leno for Martinez to finally get a proper chance.
And after lifting the cup and gathering his composure, Martinez shed more light on the journey he and his family have been on.
Martinez is now an FA Cup winner
On lifting the trophy, Martinez told talkSPORT: I was just crying for the first 5-10 minutes but now Im relaxed I might get a replica!I cant explain. I came a long, long way. My family have always supported me along the way. My wife and my boy, Ive now got a family in Europe. I do it for them. I never do it for myself.My family are in lockdown so my brother was watching in one house, my dad was watching with my mum.Its tough for them because they wanted to be here and its tough for me because after a long, long time I wanted to see them here and give them a hug after a long, long fight. I always do it for them.”
The Argentine has been a revelation in goal for the Gunners and has deputised spotlessly.
He has played so well that Arsenal fans even think their German no.1 may have a battle on his hands to get his spot back when he regains full fitness.