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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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."
The Belgian FA have released a statement since Martinez's post-match revelation. "We are extremely disappointed after the early exit of our national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar because we have failed and thereby let down the people of Belgium who supported our team all the way through," it read.
"We thank Roberto Martínez for everything he achieved with this Golden Generation, as a coach as well as a technical director: four consecutive years number one on the FIFA-ranking, a bronze medal at the 2018 World Cup, qualification for the UEFA 2021 Euros, the 2021 UEFA Nations League Final Four and the 2022 World Cup," CEO Peter Bossaert said.
"With his team Roberto left an immense legacy for the next Belgian football generations. Not only by introducing a modern structure on analysis, education and scouting but also by initiating the preparation for the next step in the careers of the players aiming to become a coach.
"But also his contribution to the expansion of the brand-new and state-of-the-art Football centre in Tubize was huge. Last but not least we thank him for the familiar atmosphere he brought into our house and for being a great ambassador for Belgian football. The full staff of the RBFA will miss him a lot. We wish Roberto Martínez the best of luck for the future."
