ARLINGTON, July 6 — Portugal manager Roberto Martínez said he was stepping down after Spain beat his side 1-0 in the World Cup last 16 on Monday, calling the defeat the end of a cycle for the team.
The Spaniard said his contract expired on Monday and that Portugal's football leadership should now choose a new manager.
"I came to Portugal to win the World Cup, and I think that, without winning it, there is no point in continuing.
"The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose the new manager...my contract ends today. There is not much more to say," he told a media conference after the match.
Martínez added that there had been no final decision before the tournament, but confirmed that the defeat to Spain was his last match in charge.
"Yes, it is my last game for the national team. I am very proud...I have felt welcomed as just another Portuguese person, in a very warm way.
"It has been a pleasure, a source of pride and a responsibility," he said.
Portugal's exit is also expected to bring down the curtain on Cristiano Ronaldo's long international career. Martínez avoided going into further detail about the 41-year-old's future but offered a glowing farewell to his captain.
"A word of thanks, because he was an exemplary captain. Not just in terms of goals — the statistics speak for themselves — but also in terms of assists.
"It is his day-to-day commitment, the way he lives and breathes football. He is an example and something we must celebrate," he said.
Martínez also noted that Portugal had stood up to one of the tournament favourites but was undone by fine margins.
"We showed courage in defence, we were aggressive, and we defended very well. But in the World Cup round of 16, it is the small details that matter
"The ball hitting the bar and going in or not, a chance in the 90th minute from a quick free kick. Details that make all the difference," he said.
