Roberto Martinez Closes Euro 2024 Controversy for Portugal

Roberto Martinez has drawn a firm line under Portugal’s Euro 2024 dressing-room controversy, insisting the issue is closed and never stemmed from indiscipline.

Reflecting on the fallout from the tournament in Germany, the Spain-born coach hit back at suggestions that lingering disciplinary concerns still hang over his squad. Speaking to Portuguese newspaper Record, Martinez was unequivocal.

"When there's a tournament and information leaks out, it's a very serious situation. At that time, we investigated and it was an accident. It wasn't a lack of discipline," he said.

The incident in question unfolded during Euro 2024, sparking headlines and whispers about unrest inside the camp. Those rumours have lingered in the background, resurfacing whenever Antonio’s name appears in a squad debate or selection discussion.

Martinez, though, made it clear the matter belongs to the past.

"It happened at Euro 2024 and that's not part of the decision now. Two years have passed. It happens in group dynamics and it's important to remember the most important thing: it was an accident and not an act of indiscipline. Antonio learned from it, but that's not part of the decision now."

The message is blunt: whatever happened in Germany has been dealt with, lessons have been learned, and it will not dictate who wears the Portugal shirt going forward.