"When I set out there were no role models, no Spanish players, Martinez says. Only Nayim, from Ceuta. England was unknown. It's the Third Division. You've spent your whole life learning you have to look after the ball, then you get there and the first thing they say is: Second ball'."
"The dressing room culture is so, so different. All you can do is go day by day. You go, learn, understand why things are as they are: the influence of rugby [league], say. And however hard, I never thought: Ufff, this isn't for me,' never thought of abandoning."
"The only objective I set was to learn English in two years. The only objective set, and I didn't meet it! If in 95 I had targeted playing in the Premier League, coaching Belgium for seven years, winning the World Cup with Portugal, well, it's impossible."
In 1995, Roberto Martinez, a 21-year-old unknown player, moved to Wigan to play in the Third Division without speaking English. He faced a different football culture, emphasizing survival and adaptation. Despite the challenges, he maintained a positive attitude and focused on learning. Now, as the coach of Portugal, he prepares for the World Cup, reflecting on his journey from obscurity to coaching a top team. His experiences highlight the importance of resilience and the unexpected paths that can lead to success.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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