Kylian Mbappe reacts to ‘disrespectful’ Emi Martinez antics as Aston Villa star comes under fire

France and PSG striker Kylian Mbappe has issued a response to the viral antics of Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
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Kylian Mbappe has issued a professional response to the taunting he has suffered from Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Frenchman, despite scoring a hat-trick to make the clash go the distance, was defeated after a penalty shootout in the World Cup Final on Sunday.

Ever since then, the headlines have been littered with the antics that Martinez and a few of his Argentina teammates have been getting up to. Just minutes after the full-time whistle, Martinez was handed the Golden Glove award and he then performed a thrusting action as he held the trophy in his midriff.

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Many reacted to that particular action with disgust, whereas others found it entertaining, as a few images of the moment went viral on social media in the hours and days following. The remarks, which have been deemed ‘disrespectful’ by some fans and pundits, and ‘hilarious’ by others, did not stop there as Martinez made a direct taunt to Mbappe while celebrating on an open-top bus in Argentina.

The Villa goalkeeper, who was standing near the front of the vehicle, was spotted laughing as he carried a baby-sized doll with Mbappe’s face printed on it. This has since made national and international headlines - bringing even more attention to the events, but Mbappe has decided to stay rather quiet rather than slam Martinez for his actions.

In fact, Mbappe has made quite the statement today which may or may not be somewhat inspired by the taunting he has been the subject of, to prove a point. His club side, Paris Saint-Germain, released images of the global superstar making his way into the training ground, just three days after the crushing 4-2 penalty loss in Qatar - and more importantly seven days ahead of schedule.

The forward, who celebrated his 24th birthday yesterday, was expected to have 10 days of leave but he has decided to come back early. Mbappe is expected to sit out as PSG play a mid-season friendly against Quevily-Rouen this morning, but he could be back in Ligue 1 action again as soon as December 28, when PSG host Strasbourg.

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Martinez, meanwhile, remains in Argentina celebrating the World Cup victory with his teammates. His successes in Qatar led him to become both the first Villa player to ever feature in a World Cup final and the first to take home the global crown. The 30-year-old is expected to miss the Boxing Day clash with Liverpool but he may be back in time for the New Year’s Day game at Tottenham Hotspur.

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