World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez shows off his new £20,000 watchdog

Argentine World Champion Emiliano Martinez has shown off his £20,000 guard dog – a breed similar to that of the SAS and US Navy Seals.

The Aston Villa keeper posted an Instagram video of the guard dog in action showing an “intruder” feeling the full force of his sharp teeth as they attempted to “attack” his wife Mandinha outside their home.

It was reported last week that Martinez, who won the Golden Glove as best goalkeeper when Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar, had bought the dog to protect his home, family and medals.

Argentine World Champion Emiliano Martinez posted an Instagram video showing off his new £20,000 protection dog

The Aston Villa goalkeeper is keen to protect his home, family and World Cup medals

Martinez has purchased a Belgian Malinois guard dog, similar to those used by elite troops in combat zones. They cost at least £20,000 and can weigh up to 30kg.

Martinez made the purchase of Elite Protection Dogs to protect his family in the West Midlands as well as his World Cup winner’s medal.

Several stars have tried to step up their security in recent years, with dozens of high-profile footballers being targeted by thieves.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris are among football stars who have bought watchdogs from the company in the past.

Martinez caused controversy with his raunchy antics at the World Championship Golden Glove award ceremony

Martinez featured prominently as Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar last month

Former English stars Ashley Cole and Jack Wilshere and world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury also used the company.

His celebrations in Buenos Aires sparked controversy when he goaded France’s Mbappe by holding a baby doll with the star’s face on it during Argentina’s parade.

Martinez also made an obscene gesture after receiving the Golden Glove for the tournament’s best goalkeeper, leading to further criticism of his actions.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is among football stars buying guard dogs to protect his home

Several sports stars have turned to watchdogs to bolster their security procedures

Asked about his goalkeeper’s antics in Qatar, his club boss Unai Emery confirmed he would ask Martinez to “control his emotions” from now on.

According to reports from Spain, Emery Martinez is keen to sell in January after being unfazed by his post-World Cup antics.

On his return from Argentina, Martinez was not involved in Villa’s 2-0 win at Tottenham on New Year’s Day but picked up the gloves for the 1-1 draw at home to Wolves three days later.

Martinez was on the bench when Villa was stunned by League Two Stevenage in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.