Aguirre bids farewell with pride, backs Marquez to lead Mexico forward

Javier Aguirre has stepped down as Mexico's coach, ending his third spell with the national team after their World Cup journey concluded with a 3-2 loss to England. The veteran manager, who had previously announced his departure post-tournament, voiced his confidence in former captain Rafa Marquez to lead Mexico forward.

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I would have liked to say goodbye to my people with a victory. That hurts. We tried.

Aguirre reflected on the team's performance, which saw them reach their furthest point in a World Cup in four decades. "I would have liked to say goodbye to my people with a victory. That hurts," Aguirre told reporters. "We tried." He emphasized that the squad had successfully restored belief and a sense of identity, a sentiment he shared with the passionate home crowd at the Azteca Stadium, whom he often calls Mexico's "12th player."

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The players need to leave with their heads held high. Today it could not be. We failed to capitalise, but I want to thank them all.

England secured their quarter-final spot after a tense match where Mexico mounted a spirited comeback. Goals from Jude Bellingham and a Harry Kane penalty had put England in command, but Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez (penalty) kept Mexico in contention. Despite the late push and the crowd's roar, Mexico ultimately fell short.

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I leave with a lot of pride. These players made me very happy. We recovered the sense of belonging and the identity of this team.

Aguirre stated he leaves with immense pride, citing the unity within the squad and the rekindled bond with supporters. "These players made me very happy. We recovered the sense of belonging and the identity of this team," he said. He offered his full support to Marquez, who captained Mexico in five World Cups and worked alongside Aguirre during this tournament, believing Marquez is "more than capable" of building on their progress.

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I wish him the best. He is more than capable, and he will do better than me.