Roberto Martinez has confirmed his resignation as Portugal coach following their last-16 exit at the World Cup.
Portugal produced an uninspiring performance as a 91st-minute Mikel Merino winner saw Spain beat their Iberian neighbours 1-0 and set up a quarter-final with the United States or Belgium.
Defeat for Portugal ended the World Cup career of Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old having been a largely peripheral figure in his final game on the biggest stage. Ronaldo announced on Sunday that his sixth World Cup would be his last.
And after failing to keep their hopes of a first world title alive, Portugal will now move forward without Martinez.
It had been expected Martinez would step down following the tournament in North America and speaking in his post-match press conference, Martinez said: “It’s the end of the cycle. It’s important to have a new voice, a new leader.
“I take with myself the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories in the three and a half years I was head coach of the team. It was the experience of my life.
“It had not been decided previously [that I would leave after the tournament]. I came with the goal to win the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue.”
Martinez took charge of Portugal in 2023 having failed to lead Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ to a major trophy in over six years with the Red Devils.
He did win silverware with Portugal, guiding them to glory in the UEFA Nations League last year as they beat Spain in the final.
Portugal’s defence of the Nations League starts in September, when they will begin a new era against Wales.
