Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has disclosed that his hand remains permanently disfigured and detailed the heavy personal cost he paid to feature at the World Cup in the USA, where Argentina suffered defeat in the final against Spain in New York.

The 34-year-old athlete nearly missed the tournament altogether after fracturing his finger during Aston Villa's Europa League final triumph against Freiburg. Upon reviewing his X-rays, the Argentine player broke down in tears, convinced his tournament hopes were finished.

National team coach Lionel Scaloni offered his backing, and Adidas provided a specialized glove that enabled him to take part. Martinez decided against undergoing surgery and avoided training with standard footballs until the quarter-final fixture against Switzerland.

He admitted that he continues to suffer daily discomfort and still requires an operation. Speaking to Los Edul, the goalkeeper explained that his hand is deformed and he cannot fully close his fist.

He said: "I broke my finger in the Europa League final. When the doctor showed me the X-ray, I started crying because I thought I would miss the World Cup."

He added: "Scaloni messaged me and said: 'Whether you make it or not, I'll back you... come anyway'."

Martinez continued: "We decided not to have surgery. Adidas made me a special glove, and I played with my finger completely wrapped. I could only feel four fingers.

"I couldn't even train with normal footballs. I trained with volleyballs until the Switzerland game.

"How much did it affect me at the World Cup? Ten out of ten.

"I was practically a zombie. Every time my hand touched the ground, I saw stars.

"I cried at the training camp because my finger was so swollen. After the World Cup, I had another X-ray and the finger was still broken in half.

"I still play through pain today. I'll eventually need surgery."

After the World Cup, Martinez finalized a £7.5million move from Villa to Chelsea. He has played six matches for the West London club, recording one clean sheet and letting in 11 goals.

His last appearance for the team came on October 17, when he had to leave the pitch injured after fracturing his jaw against Everton. He subsequently had surgery and initially indicated he would be sidelined for multiple weeks, though reports suggest he might make his comeback sooner than expected.