The RFEF has announced that Spain Under-21 Coach Julien Lopetegui has stepped down from his post.
Lopetegui oversaw La Rojita’s victory in last summer’s European Under-21 Championships, when Spain beat Italy 4-2 in the final.
The 47-year-old had previously taken charge of Spain’s Under-19s and Under-20s, having played as a goalkeeper for Real Madrid, Real Madrid Castilla, Barcelona and Real Valladolid, among others.
Lopetegui is to leave the RFEF set-up and said in a statement that he was thankful to the association for the opportunity he was given.
“It's hard to express in so few words my gratitude to the Royal Spanish Football Federation and to everyone who has worked by my side over these past years,” he said.
“Another professional opportunity in my life has opened up in which all I have lived over these past four years will help me. I wish the future coaches and players all the best.”
The RFEF’s statement paid tribute to Lopetegui and thanked him for his contribution to the national team’s youth set-up.
“The Royal Spanish Football Federation would like to express its gratitude to Julen Lopetegui for the splendid work both he and his technical staff have carried out with us,” the statement read.
“It was not just for winning the 2013 UEFA European U21 Championship in Israel – where Spain triumphed playing in a style that was praised the world over – but also for his contributions in ensuring we have a very bright future.”
