Fernando Hierro has left his post as the Spanish national team head coach in the wake of the side’s surprising elimination at the hands of hosts Russia in the last 16 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament.

Spain were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Russia after both sides played out a 1-1 draw after regulation time and extra time.

Fernando Hierro was asked to step up from his sporting director role to take charge of the team in Russia following the dismissal of Real Madrid manager Julien Lopetegui as head coach some days before the tournament kicked off.

His exit was revealed on Sunday morning via a statement from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

The statement also confirmed that the 50-year-old won’t return to his former Sporting Director role.

It read: “After many kilometers of walking together, 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 last Spanish coach declined to return to his previous position as sports director of the RFEF to seek new horizons and undertake new professional challenges.

“After two stages as sports director of the Federation, the first between 2007 and 2011 – coinciding with the best stage of the National Soccer Team, which won the 2008 European Championship with Luis Aragonés as coach and the 2010 World Cup with Vicente del Bosque- and the second from November 2017 until now, the RFEF wants to thank Fernando Hierro for his commitment and sense of responsibility when he takes the lead in the national team in extraordinary situations as well as in the performance of all his duties, which will always be his home.

“The Federation wants to highlight the professional and human values of an extraordinary athlete.

“Thanks for everything, Fernando!” The statement from RFEF concluded.