It was only less than a 12-hour stay for Emiliano Martinez in Dhaka but the Argentine World Cup winner was amazed by the love and hospitality from Bangladesh during his maiden trip to the country Monday.
The 30-year old arrived early in the morning after a long flight, took rest at a hotel before joining a private event arranged by a digital business group.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper then met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before flying off to Kolkata, India in the afternoon.
There was no public event for his immense fan base in Bangladesh and neither any press conference but Martinez was a delighted man after the end of the “extraordinary” tour and hoped to visit again.
“I had such an extraordinary journey to Bangladesh engaged with NEXT Ventures and FundedNext. The people here, with their love, care, and unrivaled hospitality, have truly melted my heart. I eagerly anticipate my return to this beautiful country in the near future,” stated the Argentine keeper on an instagram post through a photo with Bangladesh's Prime Minister.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister's Office, the police, the airport authority, and countless others whose names I might not know but whose efforts were no less significant. You have all played a part in crafting this special bond that I now share with Bangladesh.
“So, until my next visit, I bid you farewell, leaving a piece of my heart here. I am forever charmed by Bangladesh Bajpakhi (hawk).”
Earlier, former Bangladesh cricket team captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza, a die-hard fan of Argentina, was over the moon after meeting with Martinez.
Also Read: Netizens outraged as Bangladesh captain Jamal unable to meet Martinez
Martinez was instrumental in helping Argentina end the long World Cup wait of 36 years as the Lionel Messi-led side beat defending champions France 4-2 on tie-breaker after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Mashrafe's wait as a passionate fan was also over when Argentina won the golden trophy.
Martinez attended a ceremony in the morning where Mashrafe, also a lawmaker from the ruling party Awami League, was the invited guest.
Mashrafe appeared on the occasion with daughter Humaira and son Sahel.
They saw Martinez up close and took a picture.
They got an autograph of Martinez on the famous white-blue jersey.
Mashrafe was visibly impressed to see Martinez up close for a while.
He could not imagine that the Albiceleste keeper would show such sincerity.
Also Read: State Minister - Martinez happy to be introduced as hawk by Bangladeshis
After meeting with Martinez, Mashrafe shared his reaction on facebook, "I started to like Emi since the Copa America, where he saved two shots in the tie-breaker to give the team victory. After how many years Argentina won a big title! Messi got his first taste of the big trophy for the country. Naturally, I was looking at the World Cup keenly. But after losing to Saudi Arabia, it seemed that another World Cup might end in disappointment. But to be able to make an incredible comeback and later win the World Cup was a long-cherished dream come true.
"We met Emi, one of the heroes of that victory, in Dhaka. We've seen him for a short time, but it was lifetime achievement, a great feeling. He doesn't know how many years of waiting for me and millions of other people like me ended, the day when Argentina won the World Cup.
"Today he pulled up his trousers, showed the tattoo on the leg, that of him blocking (Randal) Kolo Muani's shot 18 seconds before the final whistle in the World Cup final. For a second, it seemed that the World Cup was actually won there."
Mashrafe's son and daughter were equally enthusiastic to see Emi in front of their eyes.
"I feel better for my children. When I said, 'Emi is coming, do you want to meet?' they were jumping. For the last two days they could not sleep properly because they were going to see Emi. After meeting Emi, I said, 'The kids want your autograph.' He showed so much sincerity, in a word, amazing. He even took pictures with them. Now they are very happy, and I am also very happy because of their happiness," Mashrafe expressed.
At the end, Mashrafe thanked Martinez for visiting Bangladesh, even though it was very short and at the same time, wished that Bangladesh national football team will play the World Cup one day to give them another occasion to celebrate.
"Emi, welcome to this land of Bengal. You have countless fans here, for ages. I hope you also feel good by stepping on this ground,” he concluded.
