Spain salute retiring national team coach Del Bosque

MADRID: Spanish football paid tribute to departing national team manager Vicente del Bosque on Friday following the veteran’s retirement as coach after eight years in charge.

Del Bosque, 65, who steered Spain to their first World Cup title in 2010 and a second consecutive European Championship two years later, was presented with a gold medal and received a standing ovation during the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) general assembly at its headquarters here.

Del Bosque’s last game in charge was on June 27 when Spain lost 2-0 to Italy in the last 16 of Euro 2016.

RFEF president Angel Maria Villar praised Del Bosque and said on the Federation’s website: “We have dominated European football for the last eight years. Few national teams have received so much praise and in our case unanimous.

“Vicente del Bosque has won the hearts and admiration of everyone. He has been the cornerstone on which the best Spain of all-time was built after taking over from Luis Aragones in 2008. We respect his decision not to continue with us. We are grateful to him. “Today is the day that we bid farewell to Vicente as coach, but he will continue with us.”