Former Belgium coach Roberto Martinez admits he told the players before their final World Cup group game he was leaving the job.

The ex-Everton manager told Het Laatste Nieuws he had informed players of his decision to step down after the tournament after their group stage loss to Morocco.

"It was really difficult to get the message that I was going to stop," Martinez said.

"To you, but certainly to the players.

"I had never done it before and hope I never have to do it again. I couldn't control all the emotions anymore."

Martinez's revelation meant Belgium's players were aware the group stage clash with Croatia could be his final match in charge after six years, having coached the team since 2016.

Belgium played out a goalless draw with Croatia after spurning a series of opportunities, with the result seeing them fail to advance to the knock-out stages of the tournament.