Portugal coach: 'Chile's best ever is Beausejour'

Portugal's coach Roberto Martínez has lauded Jean Beausejour, calling the former Chilean international potentially the greatest player in his country's history. Martínez managed Beausejour during his time at English club Wigan Athletic in 2012.

"For me, talking about Chilean football is talking about Beausejour. An incredible player, with great tactical adaptability, because he could play in a line of three or five. He was a born winner," Martínez stated in a press conference ahead of Portugal's friendly against Chile.

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For me, talking about Chilean football is talking about Beausejour. An incredible player, with great tactical adaptability, because he could play in a line of three or five. He was a born winner.

Martínez expressed a "selfish" desire to claim Beausejour as the best ever from Chile, recalling his efforts to sign the player before the 2010 World Cup. "I chased him, but I couldn't sign him and he went to another club. Then I was able to bring him in mid-season and we have memories forever," he added.

The Portuguese manager also briefly touched upon the current state of the Chilean national team, referred to as 'La Roja,' ahead of their upcoming match.

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Of a very selfish way, I would say that the best in Chile's history is him. I saw him before the 2010 World Cup, I chased him, but I couldn't sign him and he went to another club. Then I was able to bring him in mid-season and we have memories forever.