Emi Martinez says finger 'won't ever return' to normal after playing through injury at World Cup

Aston Villa goalkeeper played through a fractured finger at the World Cup and says it will never fully heal after rejecting surgery.

Emiliano Martinez revealed he sustained a fractured finger before the Europa League final but chose to play through the injury at the World Cup rather than undergo surgery. The Aston Villa goalkeeper said the pain was severe enough that he would "see stars" while playing, but he prioritized representing Argentina in the tournament. Martinez has accepted that the finger will not return to normal as a result of his decision to continue playing.