WORLD CUP winner and wind-up king Emi Martinez is fiercely protecting his gold medal.
That’s by splashing out £20,000 on a guard dog used by the US Navy Seals.
The Aston Villa star played a key role in Argentina’s stunning penalty shootout win over France last month.
Martinez, 30, made headlines across the world for his crazy antics on the field.
And he has returned to England as a world champion after making the bench for Villa’s trip to Tottenham today.
But Martinez is making sure his winners medal is guarded at all costs by purchasing a fearsome canine protector for his Midlands house.
The Daily Star claims Martinez, who also won the Golden Glove award, has forked out £20k for a specially-trained Belgian Malinois.
The pooch can weigh up to 30kg and has been used by US Navy Seals and the SAS in combat.
Martinez purchased his loyal hound from Elite Protection Dogs, who know a thing or two about dealing with famous clients.
Their 35 years’ experience has seen the likes of Spurs goalie Hugo Lloris, ex-Chelsea and Arsenal star Ashley Cole, and even heavyweight boxing king Tyson Fury buy dogs from them.
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Martinez’s Malinois will not only keep a close eye on his gold medal, but will also act as protector for wife Amanda, son Santi and daughter Ava when the Villa ace is away.
A spokesperson from Elite Protection Dogs said: “Belgian Malinois are working dogs chosen by military and police as No1 around the world. American Navy Seals used Malinois in the operation to capture Bin Laden.
“The breed is super athletic and agile with extreme prey drive that makes them excellent candidates for any tasks in work. There are dogs and there are Malinois.”
