Thursday 30 June 2016 23:43, UK
Vicente del Bosque has resigned as Spain head coach after eight years in the role.
The 65-year-old, who led his country to victory at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, was expected to step down after Spain crashed out of Euro 2016 at the last-16 stage on Monday, losing 2-0 to Italy at the Stade de France in Paris.
Spain's poor showing in France followed on from their group stage exit at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they were the first nation to be eliminated.
Del Bosque announced his decision to leave his post on Spanish radio on Thursday evening.
"Without a doubt, I have no intention to remain as coach, but you have to be discreet. No matter what the result of the Euros, I had no doubt about what my future would be," he told Spanish public radio RNE.
"I have handled this issue discreetly. But it is a decision that was taken in advance."
Del Bosque added: "On July 31 I will leave football. I will be available to help. I will leave the bench although I will always remain close and will want things to go well for Spanish football. If I can help in anything, I will."
The former Real Madrid manager replaced Luis Aragones as Spain head coach in July 2008, just weeks after the La Roja had defeated Germany 1-0 in the final of Euro 2008.
He led Spain to a perfect 2010 World Cup qualification campaign, winning all 10 matches in a group that contained Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey and Belgium.
Spain continued that impressive form in South Africa and, despite losing their opening group match against Switzerland, tasted World Cup glory for the first time in their history under Del Bosque's tutelage.
Del Bosque and Spain would taste glory two years later at Euro 2012, thrashing Italy 4-0 in the final.
But disappointing campaigns at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 have led to Del Bosque relinquishing his position as Spain's head coach.
