«Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't play for money or for titles»

Roberto Martínez gave a long and personal interview to Luís Osório on the Antena 1 program "Vencidos" (episode 19), released last Monday, where he reaffirmed his goal of winning the World Cup for Portugal.

One of his motivations is his father, who passed away a year ago before the Nations League. The manager revealed one of their last conversations, which was about winning the trophy with the national team. "You're going to win with Portugal," his father told him, and Martínez replied that he wanted to give him the World Cup.

Just like Fernando Santos did for Euro 2016, Roberto Martínez stated he will pack his bags to last until July 19th, the date of the World Cup final. He noted it will be a "very demanding" competition due to its expansion to 48 teams. Eight matches, eight shirts, and... one more for the celebrations back in Portugal.

One of the final topics the manager addressed was the "hunger" of his captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. "He's an example. He's a benchmark in world football and a player for the national team. Those are two different roles, but when the team is together, he's just a football player. He's very intelligent, he's the captain, and he shows an exemplary commitment to the national team. Cristiano's hunger is incredible," he began, assuring that Ronaldo's goal is simply to keep outdoing himself.

"Cristiano doesn't play for money, he doesn't play for titles, he plays to improve. And that's incredible. Cristiano Ronaldo can win the Champions League, the Golden Boot, and the very next day he's trying to get better. It's unique to have a 22-year career with the national team, the number of games he's playing... there's no other player like him. It's the hunger. We can measure everything about a player, but that's one aspect you can't," he explained, highlighting his recent importance to the team.

"It's his longevity. Sport is unique in its ability to measure players. He's an example, a global icon, but the Cristiano of the national team for the 2026 World Cup... he's a player who has scored 25 goals in his last 30 games. He's a player who shows up to training wanting to be the best and to improve. He has given so much to football, not just in Portugal, but in general," he added.

Finally, he was challenged to choose one word to define what Diogo Jota means to him and the group. Roberto Martínez chose "objective," explaining that the player is "a light" for the team and stating that he could be the trump card for winning the World Cup.

"When a situation gets difficult, we remember Diogo Jota, because that was always his way. Working to achieve a dream, and Diogo Jota wanted to win the World Cup; his dream is our responsibility. For us, talking about Diogo Jota is an inspiration, a very special energy. I think he can be the difference in our dressing room, to get to the World Cup and do what has never been done before. He will always be with us," he guaranteed.