TheCable

Herve Renard has resigned as coach of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions Cote d’Ivoire.

The Frenchman, who’s on the verge of joining French Ligue 1 side Lille, led the Elephants to only their second AFCON title in Equatorial Guinea in February, defeating Ghana in a penalty shootout, just two years after he had won the title with Zambia.

The 46-year-old said the lure of a new challenge made him quit his position with the West African side.

“My adventure with Ivory Coast was exceptional. And I sincerely think that the best moment to end our collaboration is after such a success,” he said.

“In all likelihood, I’m going to Lille barring a catastrophe.

“I hope that my future club will allow me to advance to another level, and I hope, like any self-respecting coach, to one day participate in the European Champions League.”

The Ivorian football federation can only but wish him success in his future endeavours.

“We thank Mr Renard for our collaboration, for the work he did at the head of the national team,” Pierre Gondo, spokesman for the Ivorian Football Federation, said.

“We expressed to him our regret to see this collaboration end so soon.”