Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, who was key to the South American team winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, arrived in Kolkata on Monday to warm welcome from local fans.
Supporters, who backed Argentina to win the showpiece tournament, cheered the footballer after he made his presence felt at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
Martinez has committed his time to the city from July 3 to July 6, wherein he will participate in meet-and-greets with local dignitaries. He will also meet with school children at Santosh Mitra Square and will be present at the opening of the gates at the Mohun Bagan Club.
While speaking to the reporters at the airport, Martinez said, "I am really excited, feeling great. It was a dream. I had promised to come to India, I am happy to be here. India is a beautiful country."
As part of his visit, the Argentine will inaugurate Mohun Bagan's Pele-Maradona-Sobers gate on Tuesday. Another Argentine to grace the Mohun Bagan field in the past was the great footballer Diego Maradona.
Martinez, who also plays in the English Premier League (EPL) for Aston Villa, will meet former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
(With inputs from ANI)
