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Roberto Martinez believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal “was a sign” from Diogo Jota on an emotional night for Portugal on Saturday.
Jota’s international teammates played for the first time since the Liverpool star’s tragic death, as they thrashed Armenia 5-0 in a World Cup qualifier. Ronaldo scored twice in Yerevan as tributes were paid throughout the evening.
A minute’s silence was held before the game, with Portuguese fans displaying a banner depicting Jota throughout the game. Players would go on to pay further tributes to their former teammate and friend as the visitors took their first big step toward reaching next year’s tournament.
Joao Felix opened the scoring after 10 minutes, and signalled the number 21 during his celebrations - Jota’s jersey number for his national team.
Ronaldo would go on to double the lead, with his goal symbolically coming in the 21st minute as the 40-year-old pointed toward the sky in what looked to be another tribute to Jota, with Martinez speaking emotionally about the moment after the game.
"Diogo Jota is with us,” Martinez said. “Being able to score in the 21st minute was special.
“We continue on our journey. I really believe [in coincidences]. Diogo's spirit is with us, it was a sign, in the 21st minute and we scored. We felt Diogo Jota from the first day of the training camp and his strength and motivation."
Left-back Nuno Tavares echoed his manager’s words, saying: "We're all very happy because it shows he's [Jota] with us, that he was there, and that moment, Ronaldo's goal, was made possible.
"He'll always be with us, as was clear today."
Joao Cancelo would go on to add a third before half-time, with the former Manchester City defender replicating Jota’s iconic gaming celebration, which the Liverpool hero famously pulled out after scoring a dramatic late winner against Tottenham in 2023.
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Ronaldo and Felix would round off the scoring in the second half as Portugal romped to victory, and paid the perfect tribute to Jota in the process.
Tributes had also been paid throughout the week in the build-up to Saturday’s game, with Ruben Neves revealing a new tattoo to commemorate his great friend as he also took on Jota’s No. 21 shirt.
Jota’s family, including his widow Rute Cardoso, were also in attendance alongside the Portugal squad as a bronze shirt was unveiled at the country’s training base in Lisbon.
Portugal will be back in action on Tuesday as it travels to Hungary, where Liverpool stars Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez will be expected to be in action for the hosts.
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