The return of Luis Enrique as Spain national team coach saw the swift and unceremonious sacking of Robert Moreno.
While everyone is happy for Enrique and justifiably so, a moment of thought should go out for Moreno who was rather harshly treated by the Spanish FA.
And in a statement released on Wednesday, Moreno said: “After what happened in these last days and after the agreement reached on Tuesday, November 19, I feel the need to make a statement to thank the support received during these months and say goodbye to the position of national coach.
“Faced with an extreme situation like the one we lived in Malta, I had to assume the leadership of everyone’s team. The objective of the classification entrusted to me has been achieved comfortably. I wish this situation had never occurred. Now we would be equally classified.
“Assessing the last hours in office or even the last days, would only serve to enter a spiral of reproaches and justifications for each of the parties.
“I am not going to do it. I don’t see any sense. I have a clear conscience. It is impossible to please everyone, but I sincerely tell you that I respect all and all opinions.
“I have always maintained that I am a man of my word, which would not be an impediment in the event that Luis Enrique decided to retrain.
“I have done so even though it has meant my departure. I wish him well because his joys will be ours.
“Thanks to all the players for their dedication and delivery in all concentrations. I have tried to be fair, honest and direct with them. I wanted to help them develop their task in the field in the best possible way.
“I want to emphasize that it would not have been possible for me to develop this task without Luis Enrique, Rafel, Joaquín and Jesús.
“I don’t lose a staff, what I leave behind are friends. Without forgetting the auxiliaries, very important people in a team and who are never sufficiently recognised.
“I have felt the affection of the people and I can only say thank you. Thanks to the hundreds of strangers who have come to cheer me up and congratulate me. I carry you forever in my heart.
“I thank all the members of the Royal Spanish Football Federation for the treatment received during my stay in the national team. I have felt loved and respected.
“And finally a special mention to the media for the treatment you have given me at all times. You have been very insightful in all press conferences.
“I have tried to be respectful to everyone and I have tried to serve without distinction and trying to be kind and sincere.
“I hope you value me for what I have done, not for who I am. It is what I have tried to do in the selection with the players in each call.
“I don’t want to stop apologising to anyone who feels offended for not giving the last press conference. Circumstances prevented me.
“My experience as an absolute coach began and ended in the same way, with bittersweet flavor. I have to look forward and face new challenges as a coach in my passion, football. I am prepared to face the challenge of leading new projects.”
