Vicente del Bosque stands down as Spain boss

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 04 July 2016

The Spanish FA confirms that Vicente Del Bosque, in charge of the national side for the past eight years, has decided to step aside to take up a new role.

Vicente del Bosque's eight-year spell in charge of Spain has come to an end following their disappointing Euro 2016 showing.

The 65-year-old guided La Roja to World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 glory, building what is widely considered to be the greatest-ever national side in the process.

Spain faced an early exit in the last World Cup, however, departing in the group stage as their defence of the iconic trophy came to a crushing end, while also being dumped out of this year's European Championship at the first knockout stage at the hands of Italy.

Following much speculation, it has now been confirmed by the Spanish FA that Del Bosque has taken the decision to step aside in order to take up a new - as yet unspecified - role with the national team.

"The RFEF president, Angel Maria Villar and the national team coach, Vicente del Bosque, today had a meeting in Madrid, in which the coach expressed his desire to stand down from his role," a statement read.

"Villar considers Del Bosque to be an icon of Spanish football and offered him the chance to continue working with the federation, which was accepted. The offer will be firmed up in the weeks ahead."

Joaquin Caparros, out of work since leaving bottom-of-the-table Granada in January 2015, is the surprise early frontrunner to replace Del Bosque.