Argentina goalkeeper auctions off $45,000 World Cup gloves for cancer hospital

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez’s gloves (Picture) in the exciting penalty shootout against France at the World Cup final in Qatar last year were auctioned off on Friday for 45,000 US dollars in favor of a children’s cancer hospital.

“$45,000 for the Dibu gloves to help the Garrahan boys!” the Argentine Pediatric Foundation shared on Instagram, referring to the oncology department of Garrahan Hospital, the main pediatric hospital in Argentina.

The auction took place online on Friday and featured Martinez via video link from his home in England, where he plays for Aston Villa.

The gloves were worn by Martinez as he faced France in a penalty shoot-out in the final in Qatar, with Argentina winning 4-2 and Lionel Messi’s team securing the league after drawing the game 3-3 in extra time.

“When I was given the opportunity to donate the World Cup gloves, I didn’t hesitate, it’s a good cause for the boys,” said the goalkeeper during the event.

Martinez signed the inside of the gloves when he announced the donation in February.

“The World Cup is not played every day, (the gloves) are special. But hanging it in a frame in my house helps a kid a lot more than it does me,” he said. –AFP