Lisandro Martinez has urged Manchester United teammate Alejandro Garnacho to snub Spain and commit his international allegiance to 2022 World Cup winners Argentina.
Garnacho, who burst onto the scene under Erik ten Hag this season, was born in Spain and spent part of his youth career with Getafe and Atletico Madrid before moving to United.
The 18-year-old United starlet briefly played for Spain Under-18s, but Garnacho has since represented Argentina Under-20s and made four appearances in total.
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Garnacho is eligible to represent Argentina due to his mother being Argentine, but the Red Devils winger has not made a senior appearance in his international career.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is keen for Garnacho to commit his future to the World Cup champions and called him up to his squad this month.
Garnacho, who was previously called up to the Argentina squad, could be in contention to play in the upcoming friendlies against Panama or Curacao later this month.
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Martinez has now urged the Argentina U20s international to “forget about” playing for Spain and vowed to make him commit to the reigning World Cup and Copa America holders.
Speaking to TyC Sports, he said: “The truth is that Garna is an excellent boy, with a lot of personality because he is 18 years old and is starting in a very big team and with a lot of pressure, you have to have personality, right?
“That’s what I like about him, he’s going to play headline or enters 10, 15 minutes and gives the best of him.
“[Garnacho] is with me here, forget about it. I’ll make sure [he plays for Argentina]. The only way is to go there with me.”
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Martinez, who lifted the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar, has been widely hailed for his impact at United this season after his transfer from Ajax last summer.
The 25-year-old Argentine defender has become a fan favourite at Old Trafford and has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from United supporters.
“It’s incredible that in [England] they chant: ‘Argentino, Argentino,’ it’s an extra motivation,” Martinez added.
“They love my way of playing, always giving my best, you can see that they identify with it.”
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Topics: Lisandro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football, Spain, Argentina
Adnan Riaz