Belgium manager, Roberto Martinez has stepped down from his role as Belgium national team coach after a woeful group-stage exit at the World Cup. The gaffer further hinted at his return to club football.
Martinez who had privately decided before the tournament that he would not be renewing his contract with the national team and has confirmed his resignation after a disastrous group stage campaign which saw Belgium bow out in a goalless draw with Croatia after substitute Romelu Lukaku missed a host of gilt-edged chances in the second half.
According to the former Everton manager "That was my last game with the national team and it was emotional as you can imagine. My situation is very clear. That was the end of whatever happened. If we had been world champions or been out in the group phases. It was the end at this time and has nothing to do with being eliminated at the group stage." Before departing, Martinez defended his squad from allegations that the team has not lived up to expectations. "We finished with a bronze medal [at the last World Cup] and wanted to give it another go," he added. "We have built an incredible legacy. I know people only see legacy as winning something."
The Belgian FA in a statement thanked Martinez for his six years of service but said the country had "failed and let down" the people of Belgium with their performances in Qatar.
