World Cup winner Emi Martinez admitted that he celebrated with his Golden Glove award because he was booed by the French supporters.
Martinez saved two penalties in the thrilling 3-3 draw with the French as Argentina won their third World Cup trophy.
Martinez, who played 18 times on loan for Reading in 2019, won the award for the best goalkeeper in the competition in Qatar.
Now of Aston Villa, he hit the headlines for his crude gesture with the trophy.
When quizzed on the nature of his celebration, the 30-year-old remarked: "I did it because the French booed me. Pride does not work with me.”
Reading's first former player to win the World Cup, the club issued and emotional message to the former Arsenal stopper.
"You are a player who was as dedicated to digging your loan club out of a hole as you are to winning the World Cup with Argentina later today.
"From blue and white hoops to blue and white stripes..."
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