Roberto Martinez has confirmed he is stepping down as Portugal head coach following his side’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, describing the result as the end of the team’s
journey under his leadership.
The Spaniard revealed that his contract expired on Monday and said Portugal’s football federation now has the opportunity to appoint a new manager.
“I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think that, without winning it, there’s no point in continuing,” Martinez told reporters after the match.
“The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose the new manager… my contract ends today. There isn’t much more to say.”
Martinez explained that no final decision had been made before the tournament, but acknowledged that Portugal’s elimination at the hands of European champions Spain marked the natural conclusion of his tenure.
“Yes, it’s my last game for the national team,” he said. “I’m very proud… I’ve felt welcomed as just another Portuguese person, in a very warm way. It’s been a pleasure, a source of pride and a responsibility.”
Portugal’s exit also appears to signal the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable World Cup career. The 41-year-old had already confirmed before the match that it would be his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
While Martinez stopped short of discussing Ronaldo’s international future beyond the World Cup, he paid a heartfelt tribute to the captain’s influence on and off the pitch.
“A word of thanks, because he was an exemplary captain,” Martinez said. “Not just in terms of goals – the statistics speak for themselves – but also in terms of assists.
“It’s his day-to-day commitment, the way he lives and breathes football. He’s an example and something we must celebrate.”
Martinez also believed Portugal had matched one of the tournament favourites for long spells before fine margins decided the contest.
“We showed courage in defence, we were aggressive, and we defended very well,” he said. “But in the World Cup round of 16, it’s the small details that matter.
“The ball hitting the bar and going in or not, a chance in the 90th minute from a quick free kick. Details that make all the difference.”
Martinez departs after overseeing one of Portugal’s most talented generations, but leaves with the World Cup dream still unfulfilled.
(with Reuters inputs)
