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Roberto Martinez has pledged to try to fulfil Diogo Jota's dream of winning the World Cup with Portugal.
The late Liverpool icon was among the Portugal squad that lifted the Nations League trophy by defeating European champions Spain on penalties in June. Less than a month later, the footballing community was thrown into mourning after Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car accident in Spain.
Martinez's players recently reconvened for the first time since the tragedy for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Armenia and Hungary. Prior to the two fixtures, Portugal manager Martinez delivered a moving tribute to Jota, explaining how it was one of his remaining footballing goals to lift the World Cup in North America next year.
"We all experience grief differently. It was incredible and very emotional," Martinez said regarding the squad's reunion.
“The team won [the Nations League] and Diogo Jota was part of the victory and built the locker room. He's a strength for us, a source of motivation, because he wanted to win the World Cup.
“It was an emotional, difficult, but beautiful match. We have the responsibility to fight for the Portuguese people, as we always do, but also for Diogo, and that is a very special strength.”
Jota's personality, dedication and positive spirit have been emphasized since his passing. And Martinez says the squad will continue to embody those principles as a mark of respect to him.
He said: “It hit the entire football family in Portugal extremely hard, but also the wider football world. The messages and outpouring of affection for Diogo showed what sort of person he was.
“He was able to reach so many families in so many places. We now have a duty to make sure that Diogo is always with us whenever the national team comes together.
“We want to carry forward his values, which helped us win the Nations League, because he was a true leader in the dressing room.
“His strength, battling spirit and determination must always remain with us. This first camp will inevitably trigger a range of emotions because not having Diogo there will be very hard, especially given the tragic circumstances.
“Losing Diogo and his brother, Andre Silva, has been painful for all of us and a harsh life lesson. What matters now is that we get to fight for one of his dreams, which is winning the World Cup. There’s no greater motivation than keeping his spirit alive in the national team.”
Portugal impressed in their recent World Cup qualifiers, winning 5-0 in Armenia and 3-2 in Hungary. Martinez’s side will host Ireland and Hungary next month.
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