Vicente del Bosque praises Spain players as he reflects on eight-year reign

Del Bosque took over after La Rioja won Euro 2008 under Luis Aragones, leading them to World Cup success in 2010 and another European Championship two years later.

The 2014 World Cup and this summer's continental tournament proved more difficult but Del Bosque looked back with pride on his eight-year reign.

He told fifa.com: "There's been a bit of everything. We've had the opportunity to win a lot of things, but we've also suffered defeats.

"That's sport. But I leave with a clear conscience and the feeling of having fulfilled my duty to Spanish football.

"I'm not saying that I'm leaving having completed every task I was set, because we knew that was impossible and unachievable. To have won another World Cup and another Euro would have been virtually impossible.

"I go with a feeling of not leaving any loose ends. We were able to continue the great work we inherited from Luis Aragones in 2008, and the national squad we leave behind is one that can and should be viewed with optimism."

Xavi, a key man in midfield in Spain's recent success, has said their style of passing football should be non-negotiable but Del Bosque insists his successor should be allowed to shape the team as he sees fit.

"We inherited a style of play and a pathway that was laid out," he said. "But after that, each coach has to guide the team in their own way, depending on their background, character and personality.

"That's a decision for the new coach and I don't think I should have any say at all. I'm keeping out of it. The next coach must be given absolute freedom to shape things as he sees fit.

"It's the players who should take centre stage in this sport. They've been champions on the pitch and have set a good example off it.

"The main thing is to have good 'raw material' at your disposal and then comes the coach's good judgement and sense of balance."