Roberto Martinez

About

Roberto is a former footballer and manager, well known as a pundit, particularly for his guest appearances on the Sky Sports programme Revista De La Liga, where he provides a calm and informed appreciation of the game.

Roberto Martinez played as a midfielder and began his career at lower league Spanish side CF Balaguer. Two years later he went to English Third Division side Wigan Athletic. Becoming part of a small Spanish contingent at the club.

He finished the season as the club’s top goalscorer with 13 goals in all competitions, and his impressive performances were recognised when he was named in the Division Three PFA Team of the Year, and was also voted by the supporters as the club’s Player of the Year.

In 2001 he moved to Scottish side Motherwell, he switched clubs the following year to Walsall.

This prompted a move to Swansea City; in his first season Martinez was chosen as the team captain and helped the Welsh side avoid relegation from the Football League. He formed an important part of the team from 2003 to 2006, making 122 league appearances and captaining them to League Two promotion in 2005.

In 2007, his former club Swansea City approached Martinez offering him the position of manager. He accepted the offer and soon brought success to the team, winning three consecutive Manager of the Month awards. He took Swansea to the League One title in the 2007–08 season, taking them back to England’s second tier division after a 24-year absence.

Martinez returned to Wigan Athletic in the role of manager in June 2009. He signed a three-year contract worth £1.5 million and was assured by Wigan owner Dave Whelan that his job would be safe for the next three years, even if the club suffer relegation.

Whilst playing for Real Zaragoza, Martínez obtained a degree in physiotherapy. He also has a postgraduate degree in business management which he studied for at Manchester University.

Roberto served as a studio analyst for the English-language coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on ESPN. He has also been a regular guest on Sky Sports’ Spanish football programme Revista de la Liga. In addition to that, he has made several appearances on the BBC’s Match of the Day.

Roberto’s considerable sporting and business experience, combined with his pleasing manner, informed approach and articulate delivery, make him a natural choice for personal appearances, motivational and after dinner speaking, as well as corporate days and promotions.