Roberto Martínez is set to leave his position after Portugal's FIFA World Cup exit -Credit:Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Just over three years after taking charge of the Portuguese national team, Roberto Martínez has confirmed that he is leaving the role.
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The 52-year-old Spaniard made his decision public following Portugal’s FIFA World Cup exit in the Round of 16, courtesy of a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Arlington, Texas, with Arsenal’s Mikel Merino scoring the 91st-minute decider.
Following what was five time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup Finals appearance, Martínez said, via Reuters, “I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think that, without winning it, there's no point in continuing.
Portugal lost 1-0 against Spain thanks to a 91st-minute goal from Mikel Merino -Credit:Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
“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.”
The former Belgium boss added that while he was undecided regarding his future pre-tournament, he was now certain that his time in charge of Portugal had come to an end.
“Yes, it's my last game for the national team. 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,” he said.
Turning to the legendary Ronaldo, who is only missing a World Cup trophy from his remarkable collection of silverware, Martinez couldn’t speak highly enough of the 41-year-old.
“A word of thanks, because he was an exemplary captain,” he said. “Not just in terms of goals – the statistics speak for themselves – but also in terms of assists.
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“It's his day-to-day commitment, the way he lives and breathes football. He's an example and something we must celebrate.”
The Al-Nassr star also spoke after the game, admitting that he would be leaving North America “with a clear conscience.”
“I'm sad to leave the World Cup this way,” he admitted, via ESPN. “As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. That's the life of a footballer. You have to move forward.
“It was my last World Cup, yes. But as for the rest, there's time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment.”
As for Portugal’s overall performance against a Spanish side expected to challenge for the title, Martinez said, “We showed courage in defence, we were aggressive, and we defended very well.
Monday marked Cristiano Ronaldo's final ever World Cup Finals game -Credit:Juan Luis Diaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
“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 having led Portugal, one of the pre-tournament favorites to go far, to 32 wins, six draws, and seven defeats. During that time, he led his side to the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals, whilst winning the Nations League in 2025.
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