Portugal national football team manager Roberto Martinez has explained his enthusiasm for singing the Portuguese national anthem during international matches.
In an interview with Spanish media outlet Marca on Monday, the Spanish coach discussed his emotional connection to the anthem.
Martinez has led Portugal for three years, guiding the squad to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals and a Nations League final victory over Spain.
His passionate pre-match anthem performances have consistently drawn public attention.
"The anthem is very important for the national team," Martinez said, noting that fragments of the lyrics are displayed on the walls of the national team training center.
Martinez emphasized that the tradition serves as a cultural connector for the global Portuguese community rather than a political statement.
"It is not a political issue, but the symbol of millions of Portuguese inside and outside the country who support their team," the manager added.
When questioned about why he does not sing the national anthem of his home country, Spain, Martinez lightheartedly clarified the structural differences between the two anthems.
"It's very simple: the Spanish anthem has no lyrics, so there is nothing to sing," Martinez stated.
Martinez previously acknowledged that facing his home nation of Spain remains a difficult task for him from both a footballing and emotional perspective.
