BRUSSELS: Roberto Martinez, sacked as manager of Everton just before the end of last season, is back in football as boss of Belgium.

The 43-year-old former Wigan and Swansea manager succeeds Marc Wilmots, who left his post last month, two weeks after the Euro 2016 quarter-final defeat by Wales.

The vacancy was advertised online by the Belgian Football Association (BFA). It said it had wanted a “strong and open communicator” who has a “proven track record in transmitting tactical and strategic knowledge” to top players.

In a statement, the BFA said it was “delighted and proud to have found a coach at this level so quickly”.

Martinez’s first match is against Spain on September 1. At Everton, he managed Belgium internationals Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas.

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