By Habeeb Kuranga
Former Belgium and Everton head coach, Roberto Martinez has been appointed as the manager of the Portuguese National team.
The 49-year-old, led Belgium to a disappointing campaign at the 2022 world cup in Qatar which ended in the group stages, quit his position as the gaffer of the Red Devils in November.
Now, the Portugal FA has appointed him to direct the affairs of the Seleçao.
Speaking on his appointment, Martinez said: “I am very excited to be here. I am very happy to represent one of the national teams with the best talent in the world.
“From the first time I spoke with the president of the federation I knew this was a sporting project that would excite me.
“I understand there are great expectations and big objectives, but there is a great team of people at the federation and I have great excitement that together we can achieve those objectives.”
Martinez had managed Belgium since August 2016, leading the country to a third place finish in 2018 world cup in Russia after defeating England in the playoff. He also led Belgium to the quarterfinals stage in Euro 2020.
He had previously managed at club level, with Wigan Athletic and Everton among those clubs he managed in his managerial career.
