Roberto Martínez: «Diogo Jota will give us strength to win the World Cup»

National team coach Roberto Martínez was among the notable figures attending the official launch of Diogo Jota's biography, titled «Diogo Jota - Never Again Is Too Long». Authored by José Manuel Delgado, former Deputy Director and contributor to A BOLA, the book was officially released this Friday.

The national coach reflected on Diogo Jota's role in the Nations League victory and emphasized the footballer's strength as crucial for a 2026 World Cup triumph.

«I'd like to share a very important point, because in football, we talk about individual talent and key moments. Winning teams are built with players like Diogo Jota. For us, just speaking of the Nations League, our national team's last title, I remember the moment Diogo Jota came onto the field against Denmark. Today I can say, without Diogo Jota, we wouldn't have won the Nations League. The smile in the locker room, the belief, and the drive. When we talk about the person who plays football, Diogo Jota is a prime example. The book is a legacy for us now, but also for new and future generations to remember the conduct and commitment a player needs to have in a winning team. Now, the national team has Diogo Jota's strength and spirit. We've already been together when discussing squad selections. Diogo Jota is a part of this,» Martínez began, speaking at a ceremony held at the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) facilities in Porto.

«Just to share a moment, Rúben Neves wears number 21, which was Diogo Jota's, and he scored his first goal after 60 games, in the last minute, in Diogo's style. Diogo Jota's spirit and strength are here. As a coach, and our team, we all believe we can win the World Cup through the grit and example of what a winning team needs. Congratulations on the work; the book is very special, but it's a legacy we must constantly remember. The careers of André [Silva, Diogo Jota's brother, who died in the same car accident] and Diogo can help many young kids, but as a person, Diogo is exemplary and very special. He will give Portugal the strength to win the World Cup,» Roberto Martínez concluded.

Also present at the official biography launch were family members of Diogo Jota and André Silva, including Rute Cardoso, widow of the former Portuguese international, Pedro Proença, president of the FPF, and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, former President of the Republic.