Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is full of pride representing Argentina at the World Cup.

Martinez, 24, has become a cult hero with the Old Trafford fans since his £56.7million arrival from Ajax in the summer.

He said: “I know every player will say that to play at the World Cup is a dream - but I have been dreaming since I was a child.

"When I was given my first Argentina jersey, I used to imagine when I was playing on the street that I was at the World Cup.

“Now it is happening, now I am really going, I want to make my family and the fans proud. Playing in The Premier League, even for a short time, has improved me as a player.

“I have always enjoyed the physical aspect of the game - but in England the game is very physical so I have been working hard to make sure I am always at 100% no matter what player I am up against.

"Going to the World Cup will also help me improve as a player."

Martinez added: “The games are going to be very tough games, so all the players are needed and it is very important that we all be in good shape by the time we play.

“We are prepared, working very well and looking forward to the game . We are very good.

"The important thing is that we think game by game - that is what has given us everything we have achieved so far."

The United defender also admits there's a sadness amongst the players that Diego Maradona isn't with them.

Martinez said: “It is still an enormous sadness that Diego left us so suddenly. The truth is that it was a very hard blow. Without doubt, Diego should be in Qatar to encourage us, be with us, support us. It is hard, but we have to believe that he's with us in this place. We have to see it that way."