Vicente Del Bosque to Retire After Euro 2016 Finals: Latest Comments, Reaction

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has confirmed he plans to retire after the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament next summer, although he will meet with the Spanish football federation first before making a final decision.

As reported by BBC Sport, he senses the end of his career is near, saying: "My retirement is close. If everything goes according to plan it [Euro 2016] will be the end. I am a man of the Federation and I have to speak to them before taking a final decision."

The 64-year-old has managed La Roja since 2008, taking over the team from Luis Aragones, who had just guided the team to the European title. Under Del Bosque, Spain won their first―and only―World Cup two years later, and they successfully defended their European title in 2012.

FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/Getty Images

He also found great success with Real Madrid, guiding Los Blancos to two La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies between 1999 and 2003.

Spain were humiliated during the 2014 World Cup, leading to some speculation Del Bosque could be stepping down, but the squad bounced back with a superb showing during qualifiers for Euro 2016, winning nine out of their 10 matches.

The summer of 2016 seems like the perfect time to say goodbye, however. A number of key players who played vital roles during Spain's dominant run are entering the final years of their careers, and the likes of Iker Casillas and Andres Iniesta won't be contributing to the side for much longer.

Victor R. Caivano/Associated Press

A new generation is ready to take their place, with young stars like Marco Asensio, Jose Luis Gaya and Dani Ceballos waiting in the wings. A new manager would help streamline the process, as Del Bosque has a reputation for picking his favourites over more deserving or promising players, per the Independent's Pete Jenson.

Those favourites served Del Bosque well in the past―he notably made the brave decision to play Cesc Fabregas as a false nine at Euro 2012 before switching to the out-of-form Fernando Torres, who played a big role in their title run―but the time has come to introduce some young blood to the squad.

When Del Bosque does walk away from the national team, he will do so under thunderous applause. He was the man to turn La Roja, traditionally a side that disappointed on the international stage, into the most dominant force of international football since the turn of the century.

DOMINIQUE FAGET/Getty Images

Aragones deserves credit for winning the first title, but Del Bosque turned Spain from a good team into a great team.

Per the Daily Mirror's Ed Malyon, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has already confirmed he would love to replace Del Bosque.   

Follow @ReverschPass