Fernando Hierro steps down as Spain's coach

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Fernando Hierro has ended his brief tenure as Spain's coach only days after the team's elimination from the World Cup in Russia. Hierro was given the role on an interim basis after Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of football's showpiece event.

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) issued a statement on Sunday revealing that the 50-year-old parted ways of his own volition. “The Royal Spanish Football Federation and Fernando Hierro put an end to their relationship once the participation of Spain in the World Cup in Russia ended,” the statement said.

Fernando Hierro (2nd R ) and Spain players look dejected following Spain’s World Cup loss against Russia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 1 in Moscow. /VCG Photo

“He declined to return to his previous position as sports director of the RFEF to seek new horizons and undertake new professional challenges.” Spain were eliminated from the competition following a penalty shootout loss to Russia in the round of 16. It was the team's worst World Cup finish since 2006 and marked a poignant farewell to international football for midfielder Andres Iniesta.

Hierro, a former Spain player and Real Madrid assistant manager, said last week that he had “no regrets” about taking the job only two days before the team's World Cup opener against Portugal.

Lopetegui was dismissed after it was revealed that he had accepted a position to take charge of Real Madrid after the World Cup.

(With agency input)