The Toffees boss defended his club after the Republic of Ireland assistant manager questioned the amount of their players showing up for international duty with injuries.
Martinez was responding to Keane’s comments, earlier this week, that Everton were not properly looking after their Irish stars. Keane declared, ‘You always get the impression from Everton that Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy are both barely able to walk. So when they actually turn up and they are walking through the reception, you think ‘Praise the Lord, it’s a miracle.’
Martinez said, ‘At the club we are always very proud when our players represent their country and the record shows that. Every player at this club is desperately proud to play for their country… A lot has been said in the media and it is a lot of nonsense. The reality is Everton’s relationship with the managers of the football associations is really good and will continue to be good.’
Asked to comment specifically on Keane, Martinez responded, ‘It is not for me to comment on but it is completely nonsense. The only thing I care about is the players. We have four incredible characters – Coleman, McCarthy, Aiden McGeady and Darron Gibson – and four who just love to play for their country. It is disappointing to see news (like this) in the media that could put that in doubt.’
He added, ‘All the fans in the Republic of Ireland need to know the players would give their lives to play for their country.’
You can watch the full press conference here (the fun starts after 13 minutes):
