The Portuguese coach, Roberto Martínez, guarantees that Cristiano Ronaldo's status in world football will not have any bearing on the decisions he will have to make during the next World Cup. «What happens around Cristiano is a historical aspect. He is an icon of world football, but that does not condition or limit our work. Cristiano is very calm and very focused on his day-to-day life and that is a simple formula. When Cristiano Ronaldo is well, it is very important for the team", explained Martínez, in an interview with the Lusa agency. «We follow what he is doing every day. You are enjoying it a lot. He has a worldwide brand, but for us he manages to have simplicity within the national team. His focus is an example to follow. He found a process of focusing on day-to-day life and the consequence of this is reaching the next World Cup,” he added. Regarding the episode in which Ronaldo lost his starting position at the 2022 World Cup, with Fernando Santos still in the squad, the current national coach remembers that “it was three years ago” and hides the topic. «I love the commitment of the players and Cristiano is our captain because he deserves to be our captain. We are prepared, I am prepared, the technical team is prepared, the players are prepared», he stressed. «There is a different perception of my work in Portugal and outside of Portugal» Martínez confesses that he was somewhat surprised by the criticism he received after the elimination with France, at Euro 2024. «There is a lot of passion for our team. My criticism is always stronger than the criticism that comes from outside. It's true that I was surprised after winning every game in qualifying for the European Championship, but that's part of my position and I can understand that. Now I feel, when I talk to journalists, that there is a different perception of my work in Portugal and outside of Portugal.” The Spanish coach also remembers winning the Nations League, at a time when the possibility of leaving his position was advanced, due to Pedro Proença's entry into the Federation. «I felt the noise from outside. It's normal, but I felt a special focus from the team. A total focus. Winning the Nations League in Germany, in the most demanding format of international football, was a key moment for us. The perception of other teams in playing against Portugal has changed.” «Diogo Jota? I am a person of faith, I believe in energy» Martínez admits that there is an “energy” of Diogo Jota within the Portuguese team. The coach was at the Club World Cup when he found out about the death of the Portuguese international. «I think it was four in the morning when I found out and it was a tragic moment. I just wanted to find a moment of silence to think, because it was very difficult to believe that it was true. It was a shock.” «We started again with a special force and our path became very clear. I am a person of faith. I believe in energy and in moments that we cannot explain», he further stated.