The writing was on the wall for Fernando Santos as soon as Morocco ruined Portugal's World Cup hopes.
"The FPF thanks Fernando Santos and his technical team for the services offered over eight unique years and feels that this gratitude is also made on behalf of the Portuguese people. The FPF Board of Directors will now begin the process of selecting the new national coach."
While his stint in command of the national team ended in disappointment in Qatar, Santos' legacy will be felt for years to come.
Portugal has had their most successful moment in its rich footballing history since taking control in 2014. The Selecao won the European Championships in 2016 and the first UEFA Nations League three years later under his expert guidance.
It's maybe not surprising that the great and good of Portuguese football have rushed to pay respect to the retiring manager. "Thank you very much, Mr. Fernando Santos!" Pepe made a social media post.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes also expressed gratitude to sir Fernando Santos. "Thank you for the opportunity to represent our nation and for your faith in us over the last several years," he said on social media.
"As a Portuguese, thank you for putting Portugal at the top of Europe and bringing confidence and belief to a 'little' country that it was possible to be among the 'big ones'.
"There were moments of grandeur and delight, as well as moments of despair and frustration, but history was made and will live on in the hearts of all Portuguese."
But, of all the tributes, the one that hasn't been delivered is maybe the most striking. The sight of Cristiano Ronaldo on the Stade de France touchline with Santos remains a watershed event in Portuguese football history.
The twin act that finally got the Selecao over the line at a major tournament returned to Lisbon with the title in hand.
After winning Euro 2016, Ronaldo and Santos raise the European Championship trophy.
However, the couple's relationship was substantially more strained five years later. Santos openly chastised his players' reactions after being substituted against South Korea, but this was only the beginning of the dispute.
The decision to leave Ronaldo out of the starting lineup for their quarterfinal matches sparked heated controversy throughout the world. That brave selection decision was immediately validated in the last 16 against Switzerland, with stand-in Goncalo Ramos scoring a magnificent hat-trick.
However, against Morocco, Santos was forced to rely on the 37-year-old, as the striker was unable to do one more rescue act. Georgina Rodriguez, the ex-United star's partner, did nothing to dispel rumors of a split, penning a long statement on social media following Portugal's exit in Qatar: "Today your buddy and coach made the wrong decision," she wrote to her 40 million followers.
"That buddy you have so much affection and respect for. The same one who watched how everything changed when he put you on the field, but it was too late.
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