Ex-Spain coach Robert Moreno breaks his silence: 'My conscience is clear'

Robert Moreno has broken his silence after being replaced by Luis Enrique as Spain coach this week.

Here is his statement:

"After what happened this week and following the agreement reached on Tuesday, I feel the need to release a statement in gratitude for the support I have received during these months and to say goodbye to my role as national team coach.  

"In an extreme situation, it fell on me to take over the team. The objective that I was assigned of qualifying for Euro 2020 has been fulfilled. I wish this would never have been the situation. We would still have qualified all the same. 

"To evaluate my final hours in the job or even the final days would only serve to enter into a spiral of criticism and justification for all parties. I am not going to do that. I don't see any sense in it. 

"My conscience is clear. It's impossible to please everyone, but I tell you sincerely that I respect everyone and every opinion. I have always maintained that I am a man of my word, that I would not be an obstruction in the case that Luis Enrique decided to return. I have followed through with that, even though it's led to my departure. I wish him the best because his happiness will be ours. 

"Thank you to all the players for their dedication and commitment. I have tried to be fair, honest and direct with them. I wanted to help them develop on the pitch in the best way possible. 

"I want to highlight that it would not have been possible to do the job without Luis Enrique, Rafel, Joaquin and Jesus. I don't lose colleagues, I leave behind friends. Without forgetting the assistants and all the important people in the team that never get sufficient recognition. 

"I have felt affection from the fans and I can only say thank you for that. Thanks to the 100s of people who have come up to me to encourage me and congratulate me. I will always carry you in my heart. 

I am grateful to the members of the Royal Spanish Football Federation for the treatment received during my time with the national team. I have felt loved and respected. 

"And finally a special mention for the media for the treatment at all times. You have been very sharp in all press conferences. I have tried to be respectful with everyone and attend everyone the same while trying to be friendly and honest. 

"I hope you assess me for what I have done, not who I am. That's what I have tried to do with the players in each squad. I don't want to stop apologising for those who feel offended that I didn't give a final press conference. The circumstances prevented it. 

"My experience as the national team manager started and has ended in the someway, with a bittersweet taste. It's time to look to the future and to tackle new challenges as a coach working in my passion, football. I am ready for the challenge of leading new projects."