Roberto Martinez leaves role as Belgium manager after World Cup group-stage exit

Roberto Martinez is stepping down as Belgium's manager due to the team's poor performance at the World Cup.

The Belgians were considered to be a golden generation after they finished third at the World Cup.

Belgium exited the tournament without reaching the knock-out stages despite winning their first two games in the tournament.

He said that he would not be renewing his contract after Belgium was eliminated.

That was my final game. He said it had been six years. I knew I wanted to qualify for the World Cup. We won a bronze medal after becoming so involved with the project. I am so proud of these players. It's been great.

We have been able to do everything you want to do. People are happy because of the team. I need to accept that it is over. I'm not going to resign. My contract is ending.

I wanted to stay loyal even though I had many opportunities to leave and take jobs at club level.