Roberto Martinez has ended his tenure as Belgium coach after the squad’s early exit from the World Cup.
The Spaniard, 49, was appointed in 2016 and was out of contract after the World Cup.
Belgium, who won third place in 2018, entered the tournament as the world’s second team.
But the Red Devils were knocked out after a dismal group stage, which saw them bowled over by Morocco and register just one goal.
“It was my last match. It was emotional as you can imagine,” Martinez said after Belgium’s World Cup elimination.
“The decision was made just before the World Cup. I always work on long-term projects and they have to be defined in advance.
“Since 2018 I’ve had many opportunities to leave to take up jobs at club level. I always wanted to be loyal and finish the job. I’m not quitting – it’s the end of my contract. It has always been the plan.”
They worked hard for a 1-0 victory against Canada in their first match and, knowing they needed to win their last group game to reach the last 16, they could only manage a 0-0 draw. 0 against Croatia.
Belgium topped the world rankings from September 2018 to March 2022.
Martinez continued: “It’s been six years since I arrived with a clear idea to qualify for the World Cup. You engage with people and we felt we had to try again.
“It’s been a real joy. I’m so proud of these players. It’s incredible, it’s been six years since we were able to do everything we want to do at a club in the national team and that makes me extremely proud We love the way this team played.
“It gave us incredible joy. It’s time for me to accept that this is the last game.”
The former Swansea and Wigan boss was appointed three months after being sacked by Everton in May 2016.
He succeeded Marc Wilmots, who led Belgium to the top of the world rankings for the first time from November 2015 to April 2016.
Martinez previously played for Swansea and Wigan, and was appointed by Everton after winning the FA Cup as Wigan boss in 2013.
