Spain boss Vicente del Bosque to retire

Vicente del Bosque has announced he will retire from coaching when his Spain contract expires next month.

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque will retire from coaching when his contract expires next month. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

Del Bosque is the most successful coach in Spain history, leading his country to victory at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, but he has now decided to call it a day after eight years in charge of La Roja. The 65-year-old had spoken previously about the possibility of stepping down after Euro 2016.

And he confirmed on the Radiogaceta de los Deportes programme on Spanish radio station RNE: “Without any doubt, I have no intention of continuing as coach.”

He added: “I have a contract until July 31 with the (Spanish Football) Federation. I’ve been in the Ciudad Deportiva (Federation’s headquarters) this morning. I have no intention of continuing as coach but there’s still a bit of time left.”

Spain saw the defence of their European title come to an end on Monday with a 2-0 defeat to Italy in the last 16 at Euro 2016.

Regardless of how Spain did in France though, Del Bosque - who replaced Luis Aragones after Spain won Euro 2008 - said he had already made up his mind about whether or not to stay in charge.

He added: “I have tried to treat this matter with discretion because we’re in a business and you need to respect that. But it was a decision taken beforehand.

“Whatever happened at the European Championship I had already decided. I didn’t show it nor did I hide it.”

Several names have already been mooted in the Spanish press as possible replacements for Del Bosque, with former Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla boss Joaquin Caparros among the early frontrunners.

Del Bosque said: “I will continue until July 31. And the president (Angel Maria Villar), when appropriate, will do what’s necessary. They haven’t asked me about replacements. I will do what the Federation tell me. There are very qualified people.”

Regarding his own future, the former Real Madrid boss says he will not look to find a new managerial position when he leaves the Spain post.

He added: “On July 31 I will leave football. I will be available to help. I will no longer be sitting on the bench, although I will also be close hoping that things go well in Spanish football.

“If can help in any way, I will.”