Martinez: Fans' fire wins games
Lisandro Martinez is a passionate footballer so he is grateful this is reciprocated by the Manchester United supporters.
The Argentina international can look back with a great deal of satisfaction on his first season at the club, even though it was cut short by the injury he suffered in the Europa League home tie with Sevilla.
After following manager Erik ten Hag from Ajax to Old Trafford, the centre-back has proved his qualities in the Premier League and, of course, also lifted the World Cup with his country.
During an exclusive chat with club media to delve deeper into the personality of 'The Butcher', he outlined the fire that burns inside him and fuels his ambition in the game.
Martinez: Passion is our culture
Get to know more about Licha's character and mentality in this exclusive Q&A with club media...
“I really feel the love of the fans," Martinez told us at Carrington recently. "I also feel a lot of love for them.
"I really like this connection because it’s very important. Sometimes that support, that fire, wins games. You see it, the stadium is on fire. It’s part of that connection.”
Martinez admits he gives his all out on the pitch, in order to try to achieve success for the team.
"To be honest, football is a big part of my life," he added. "I live for football. Yeah, I love football. I give everything for it.
"Like I said in many interviews before, football is life. You have to fight for that. You have to fight for, I say, always the food. In the game, if someone takes your food, you have to fight. You can’t give in easily to them.”
Licha made 45 appearances in all during his maiden season at United. In addition to being part of the Carabao Cup-winning team, he provided a number of memorable moments, including his only goal to date, a clever header in the league game at Arsenal.
The defender was third in the voting for the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, despite being absent for the run-in, and will look to return to fitness in plenty of time for the 2023/24 campaign.
“Well, I’m enjoying [it] a lot," he said of life with the Reds. "I’m enjoying every day here - in the training, the dressing room, in the games, at Old Trafford. I think I am enjoying it a lot.”
"I’m really happy to be here. Like I said, I’m enjoying it. I think it is a big dream of mine to be here and I am really happy.”