Igor matanovi

FIFA World Cup: Zlatko Dalic stepped down as Croatia head coach on Wednesday, bringing an end to his nearly nine-year tenure following the team's round-of-32 exit from the FIFA World Cup after a stoppage-time 2-1 defeat to Portugal.

In a statement released by the Croatian Football Federation, the 59-year-old said the time had come to conclude one of the most successful eras in the country's football history despite still possessing the desire to continue.

"I thank President Kustić for the exceptional support and excellent collaboration we've had, as well as the trust to continue. The support I've received in recent days prompted me to reconsider my decision to leave, but... It's time. No matter how much I still feel the ambition and desire to write new successes with Croatia, I feel this is the right moment to conclude this incredible era. I'm leaving with a full heart and proud to have contributed to the greatest successes in Croatian football history, and to my successor, the Croatian national team, and Croatian football, I wish many new triumphs in which I deeply believe,” Dalic said in a statement issued by Croatia’s football federation.