Lisbon: Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has stepped down from his post with immediate effect after his side's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday, APA reports. The Spaniard, who led Portugal to Nations League glory last summer, expressed that it made no sense for him to continue in his role following the loss.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Martinez stated, "I came to Portugal to win the World Cup, and I think that without winning, it doesn't make sense to continue. The board and the president have the chance to choose their manager. My contract ends today, there's not much more to say." His decision comes despite a challenging performance that saw him persist with a 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo for the entirety of the match.

Martinez insisted that the tournament should not be considered a failure despite the outcome. He commented, "We didn't fail, we lost a game against a favourite team, we played face to face, showed incredible talent. We won the Nations League on penalties, it's all about details between the top teams. Failing is not trying to win, and we tried until the last minute, gave everything, the players were incredible, exemplary. That's what makes you a winner. I hope Portugal's fans can remember everything that the coaching staff and I did."