Lisandro Martinez speaks out, mentioning Erik ten Hag as Manchester United and Arsenal consider a transfer
Manchester United and Arsenal are both interested. Lisandro Martinez has spoken out at a time when his two Premier League rivals are vying for his services.
Erik ten Hag and Mikel Arteta are both interested in the centre-back. And, for the time being, he appears to prefer Old Trafford to the Emirates Stadium.
Manchester United are interested in Martinez because he has a different profile than current center-backs Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Raphael Varane.
Arsenal is also interested, as Arteta seeks a quality defender to keep Ben White and Gabriel on their toes.
Martinez has now spoken about his ascension to the top in an interview with The Mirror.
And he’s opened up about the tough-guy reputation he’s earned during his time in Amsterdam, where he’s fondly known as the ‘butcher.’
“Yes, I am called the canisero – the Butcher of Amsterdam,” he told the publication.
“We Argentines do everything with passion – and when I go out on the pitch I fight for every ball.
“If I have to step over dead bodies I do it.
“I want to win every 50-50 situation because I know that I am fighting for food for every member of my family and for my friends.
“That is the feeling I have – and every Argentinian has. It is the kind of motivation I cannot explain.
“I got my talent from my mum. Next to her work – which was a really hard job – she is also a good footballer. She still plays!
“She is a fantastic midfielder, honestly. She is older now, but she is still playing.”
The 24-year-old also mentioned Ten Hag, admitting that he was pleased of what he’d accomplished in his three years in Amsterdam.
“I am so proud of what I have achieved at Ajax and under Ten Hag,” added the defender.
“I grew as a player and became an Argentinian international thanks to my development at Ajax.
“And I even got to wear the captaincy armband for my country.
“That was the day my father cried, it was very emotional. My mum cried too, my uncles, aunties, cousins, everyone.
“The World Cup is definitely my goal. We have great players and we must all be ready for it. We won the Copa America together and can do it again.”
Martinez also said that he plans to model his game after Italian icon Fabio Cannavaro.
Cannavaro had a stellar playing career, winning the World Cup in 2006 and flourishing at clubs such as Real Madrid and Juventus.
And Martinez said: “Cannavaro was comfortable on the ball. And, despite his lack of height, he challenged for every ball as if it was the last tackle to win the game.
“I loved that style. And I am just like him.
“I would prefer not to be like Virgil van Dijk. His height is certainly a big plus, but when you don’t have the other qualities, it is worth nothing.
“My favourite position is definitely central defence. I started out as a midfielder, but I learned all the qualities for a central defender who plays in an attacking team under Ten Hag.
“I can look after myself. When I left home as a boy it was really hard because I had always been very close to my parents.
“I had to leave them behind. I had to get to know new people. It was a shock.
“At that age you are not ready to leave home.You are not a man yet. But I did it.
“I learned to be responsible for my own life and take care of everything for myself.”
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Lisandro Martinez speaks out, mentioning Erik ten Hag as Manchester United and Arsenal consider a transfer
