Emiliano Martinez returns to Aston Villa after World Cup heroics

The World Cup winning goalkeeper was granted extra time off by manager Unai Emery to celebrate in Buenos Aires after starring for his country throughout the tournament.

There was growing speculation over the whereabouts of the 30-year-old, with most players involved the final having already returned to their respective clubs.

On Friday, Aston Villa posted a video of a Martinez arriving to first-team training under the title "look who’s back".

The international said he felt "all good… back to the cold weather!"

Martinez will now face talks with Emery over his recent behaviour, with the manager insisting the player should control his emotions after making a rude gesture collecting the golden glove award in Qatar and showing a lack of respect to Kylian Mbappé on their victory parade in Argentina.

Emery told reporters last week: "I want to speak with him when he will come here... but I am thinking more about his performance and his win, than his celebration.

"The celebration is for the supporters, with really big emotions. It's not really a good moment as a coach to identify why.

"I prefer to be focused on how he performed and how he is going to win with us afterwards. I am going to speak with him because I want to control him about that as well - his emotions."

Martinez was not involved in Villa's 3-1 defeat against Liverpool but could face Tottenham on New Year's Day, where he could line-up against France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris for the first time since the final.