World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez has admitted he is happy to have landed in India as he visits the country to the delight of many fans there.
Martinez was the hero of Argentina in many games at that competition as he pulled off a series of saves to ensure they could win games and progress in each round.
India has a large population of Lionel Messi fans, so they supported the Argentinian national team throughout the competition as they sought victory despite losing their first game.
Since the World Cup, Martinez has become even more popular around the world, which has made reports link him with a move to top several clubs in Europe.
The 30-year-old is rounding off his holidays ahead of the season and is expected to take part in some meet-and-greets after landing at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata. He would spend two days in the country, a visit that sports promoter Satadru Dutta planned.
After stepping on Indian soil, Martinez said: “I am really excited, feeling great. It was a dream (coming to India). I had promised to come to India, I am happy to be here.”
Dutta added: “Martinez is aware that Argentina has a huge fan following in the Indian subcontinent. He thought Kolkata meant Bangladesh. So clarity had to be given that though they speak the same language, one is a country, and the other a city in a state. The common denominator between the two is football and the massive fan following for Argentina and Brazil.”