The coach’s six-year reign in charge of the Red Devils has come to an end in Qatar.
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Roberto Martinez to leave his job as Belgium coach
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The Spaniard made the announcement after the Red Devils crashed out of the World Cup
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Martinez has spent six largely successful years in charge
Roberto Martinez has revealed that will step down as Belgium coach after the team exited the FIFA World Cup™.
The former Everton and Wigan Athletic manager, who has led the Red Devils for six years, made the announcement in the wake of a 0-0 draw with Croatia that ended his team’s involvement at Qatar 2022.
“That was my last game with the national team and it’s emotional, as you can imagine,” he said in a tearful press conference. “It has been amazing.
“In six years, everything you want to do in a club, we have been able to do it in a national team. It makes me extremely proud. This team have given everyone incredible joy. But now it’s time to accept that this is my last game.”
Tributes quickly followed, with Lois Openda – one of the team’s emerging youngsters – telling FIFA+ that Martinez should be remembered fondly despite the team’s lacklustre campaign in Qatar.
“He’s been with the national team for six years and he’s done good things. He took the third place at the last World Cup,” said the Lens youngster.
“He is a coach who brought us a lot, who made us grow, who took us to first spot in the world rankings. We’ll only remember positive things about him.”