Emiliano Martinez on the Mohun Bagan floor for the inauguration of the Kolkata Police Friendship Cup| Photo Credit: DEBASISH BHADURI

Kolkata’s passionate soccer followers welcomed Emiliano Martinez, the World Cup profitable goalkeeper of Argentina, who got here calling at Mohun Bagan, the oldest soccer membership of the continent. Some 5,000 odd members and ardent followers gathered to witness their favorite ‘Dibu’ who had helped Argentina elevate the World Cup for the third time slightly over six months in the past in Qatar.

Martinez was visibly elated on the overwhelming reception, spreading his arms in acknowledgement earlier than saying “I love you Kolkata.”

Reflecting the arrogance and the self-belief that noticed him cease France from defending its title on the Lusail Stadium, Martinez mentioned that, “we have a group of tigers in the team and are going to win it again”.

His assurance got here within the type of a repartee when he was requested by the presenter about the potential for enjoying with out (Lionel) Messi within the subsequent World Cup. There was a thunderous applause as Martinez sensed the heart beat of the group, greater than half of which was draped in Argentina jerseys with ‘Messi 10’ written on the again.

Bagan, which has beforehand hosted soccer luminaries like Pele and Diego Maradona, offered the membership colors to Martinez. The towering goalkeeper accepted the providing with a smile and instantly placed on the green-and-maroon jersey earlier than taking a tour across the floor because the stadium crammed up with chants of ‘Dibu, Dibu’.

The star goalkeeper reciprocated the passion of his hosts regardless of being put to a grueling schedule via the day. The Argentine additionally needed to be rescued by the police as soon as after his automobile was mobbed by keen supporters leading to injury to the automobile, after a operate organised in one other a part of the town. He selected to return to his lodge in a police jeep.