Portugal boss Roberto Martinez says the late Diogo Jota remains an inspiration for his squad, calling the forward “our light” as they head into the World Cup.
Roberto Martinez says Diogo Jota will be a guiding inspiration for Portugal at the World Cup.
The Liverpool forward died alongside his brother André in a car accident last July, months after helping his country win the Nations League.
Speaking to The Athletic, Martinez framed his memory as a source of strength.
Martinez: Diogo Jota, Portugal’s light at the World Cup
His words were heartfelt. “Diogo is our light,” Martinez said. “Diogo is our reference of wanting to do or needing to do what his dream was, which was winning titles for Portugal, like he did winning the Nations League. He was a big part of what we built in the dressing room.”
Jota was central to that triumph. He played a decisive role in Portugal’s run, none more so than in the quarter-final against Denmark. Martinez believes that spirit now drives the group.
“He wanted to win the World Cup, so it becomes a bit of a responsibility, an example, because Diogo was the pure example of believing in whatever could be possible,” he said.
“Always with that tenacity, always finding the answer in the right moment in the difficult moment in the game.”
The manager pointed again to that Denmark performance. “The way that he found the way against Denmark in the quarter-finals was the difference in the Nations League campaign,” Martinez added.
For Portugal, his absence is keenly felt. “He’s become a real focus, and probably an extra bit of energy and light in those difficult moments that you have as a football team,” Martinez said.
“We need to use his inspiration until the end because he’s part of us.”
Jota’s loss was mourned across football. Martinez and several Portugal players attended his funeral in Gondomar last summer.
