I Am Proud Of My Achievements - Del Bosque

 

Outgoing Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has no regrets as he prepares to leave his post at the end of July after eight years in charge. He called time on his tenure after Spain's exit from Euro 2016 at the hands of Italy in the last 16 and will formally leave the post when his contract expires on July 31.

Del Bosque enjoyed a dream start as coach after succeeding Luis Aragones in 2008, leading Spain to the 2010 World Cup and helping them retain the European Championship two years later. Spain then suffered a shock group stage elimination at the 2014 World Cup and lost 2-0 to Italy in the last 16 of Euro 2016 after finishing second in their group behind Croatia.

Asked if he had any regrets, the former Real Madrid player and coach said “No, to be honest I don't. I'm not saying that I'm leaving having completed every task I was set, because we knew that was impossible. To have won another World Cup and another Euro would have been virtually impossible. I go with a feeling of not leaving any loose ends. There's been a bit of everything. We've had the opportunity to win a lot of things, but we've also suffered a defeat, that’s sport. But I leave with a clear conscience and the feeling of having fulfilled my duty to Spanish football.”