Diogo Jota "is a force and a source of motivation" for the Portuguese national team, which will seek to qualify for and win the 2026 World Cup in memory of their late teammate, coach Roberto Martínez revealed on Friday.
At a press conference in Yerevan, Armenia, Martinez recalled the "very emotional" reunion of the Portuguese national team, which returned to work this week for the first time since Jota's death in a traffic accident in Zamora, Spain, on 3rd July.
"It was an emotional, difficult meeting, but also a very beautiful one, because now we have the opportunity and the responsibility to fight for the Portuguese people, but also for Diogo, and that is a special strength," said Martínez.
This is "because Diogo wanted to win the World Cup," which is why the former Liverpool striker became "a force, a source of motivation" for the Portuguese national team.
Portugal will begin its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign this Saturday against Armenia, a match in which Cristiano Ronaldo's side will have to, according to Martínez, "show personality" to counteract the home advantage of their opponents.
Roberto Martínez also said that the big challenge now will be to "change the mindset" for a new competition after winning the Nations League, but he assured that his "team is very focused".
After facing Armenia, the Portuguese national team will travel to Budapest, where they will face Hungary on the 9th.