Morocco coach Herve Renar announced his resignation on Sunday after three and a half years in command of the Atlas Lions after the early exit of the recently concluded African Nations Cup in Egypt.

"It is time to end this long and beautiful journey of my life, not without some feelings and sadness, but it is a long-standing decision that I made long before the 2019 African Cup of Nations," he wrote in his official accounts on Facebook and Twitter.

The French coach, who said he wanted to stay for as long as possible, denied press reports that he had left after the Nations Cup, saying: "I made this decision after I thought about it carefully and it is an irreversible decision. Formally (who) has pledged to respect my decision and this is something I thank him for. "

"I thank the players, the technical staff, the fans, the honest journalists, all those who supported me, especially those who showed their support."

Rennes also thanked his fans, players and Moroccan football leaders, and King Mohammed VI was particularly thankful for his support.

J'adresse mes plus chaleureux remerciements à Sa Majesté le Roi Mohammed VI que Dieu l'assiste, pour tous les efforts consentis afin de dévelper le sport et le football en particulier J'en profite pour remercier le Prince Moulay Hassan ainsi que l'ensemble de la famille Royale. pic.twitter.com/CxhTAk22gS

- Hervé Renard (@Herve_Renard_HR) 21 July 2019

Morocco emerged from the knockout phase of the 16-nation Nations Cup after losing to Benin in a penalty shootout despite winning their three group games.

In 1260 days, Rennar led the Atlas Lions to the quarter-finals of the 2017 Nations Cup in Gabon before defeating Egypt. He also helped him qualify for the 2018 World Cup for the first time in 20 years, leaving a good impression on the World Cup despite the exit from the first round.

The 50-year-old coach has had a successful career in Africa after he began his career as assistant to veteran Claude Leroy.

Rennar won the Nations Cup twice in the last five, winning the first time with Zambia in 2012 in his second term with the team. He led the team again in 2015 but this time with Ivory Coast, whose captain Yaya Toure praised the abilities of the coach.