End of an era as Martinez stands down

Roberto Martinez will pursue options in club management after tearful scenes in the Belgium dressing room as he stood down following the nation’s World Cup exit.

Martinez had privately decided ahead of the tournament that he would leave, and his departure last night appeared inevitable after a disastrous group-stage campaign.

“That was my last game with the national team and it was emotional, as you can imagine,” Martinez said. “My situation is very clear. That was the end, 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.”

Belgium, second in Fifa’s world rankings, had failed to impress in their opening two games – a 1-0 win against Canada and a 2-0 defeat by Morocco – and their latest setback marked the end of an era.

There were understood to be tears from several players in a changing room that has repeatedly denied rumours of squad rift in recent days.

Toby Alderweireld, the former Tottenham Hotspur defender, confirmed that he was one of a host of players aged 30-plus who had some thinking to do about their international futures.

“Of course, it’s not every year that there’s a tournament,” he said. “We’ll see what everyone is doing but I think it’s too close to the last game to decide. Everyone goes home now, goes to their club and has time to decide what they’re going to do. Of course this hurts – it’s normal – but decisions are not made after the game.”

Martinez, however, defended his squad from allegations that the team had not lived up to expectations. “We finished with a bronze medal [at the last World Cup] and wanted to give it another go,” he said. “We have built an incredible legacy. I know people only see legacy as winning something.”

Talks about Martinez returning as Everton manager broke down in January because he had wanted to retain his role with Belgium.