Roberto Martinez confirmed that he'll be leaving his post as Belgium manager after they were dumped out of the World Cup at the group stage.
The former Everton boss, 49, will also depart from his role as the Belgian's FA's technical director off the back of a nightmare campaign in Qatar. Martinez's side only managed one win from their three group fixtures and were sent packing after a costly 0-0 draw with Croatia in which star striker Romelu Lukaku remarkably spurned a series of second-half opportunities.
Martinez had been in control of the Belgium national team for six years and has also played a key role behind the scenes in revamping the national set-up when it comes to Belgium's youth teams. However his most notable achievement came in guiding the Red Devils to third-place finish at the World Cup in Russia four years ago.
Despite keeping Belgium as FIFA's No.1 ranked international side for three-and-a-half years - they're currently No.2 - the Spaniard will walk away upon the expiry of his contract on December 31.
"That was my last game", Martinez revealed after Belgium couldn't edge a resilient Croatia at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. "It's emotional as you can imagine."
Failing to clinch silverware with the country's so-called 'Golden Generation' has ultimately cost him his job, having been appointed in 2016 when the Red Devils were anticipating an era of success. While Martinez's exemplary records in qualifying for one European Championship campaign and two World Cups speak for themselves, he faced his final judgement in Qatar.
After being unable to guide Belgium beyond a nervy 1-0 victory over Canada and 2-0 loss to Morocco, he'll return to unemployment for the first time since being sacked by Everton in May 2016.
"It's not easy to win games in the World Cup. We weren't ourselves in the first game, we had a deserved defeat in our second game," Martinez admitted. "Today we were ready, we created opportunities and today there is no regret. We're out but we can leave with our heads held high.
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Lars Baron/Getty Images)Image:
Michael Steele/Getty Images)He still reckons that Belgium can enjoy a period of success following his exit, adding: "You see Youri Tielemans and other young players - the golden generation is doing something that is bringing the next generation on. It's not what names are on the pitch, the legacy can be left in many ways."
Tensions behind the scenes spelled a difficult tournament for the Red Devils, with Martinez's agent and lawyer suggesting on the eve of the World Cup that the ex-Wigan Athletic manager felt let down by the Belgian FA's stance on his future. "Belgium keep pretending they want to continue to work with Martinez," Jesse De Preter said. "But where is the contract?
"They have told the media that we have been having talks. That is correct. We have had talks several times. But nothing is happening. No contract has been offered so far - and they promised it would be before the team flew to Qatar. People now think it is Martinez who wants too much money. But he has never been bothered about more money.
"For six years he has not cared about his salary, it has never been an issue. There is a whole negative atmosphere around Roberto now. And the players are wondering what is going on too. It does not feel right."
