The white man in the white shirt who led Ivory Coast to victory over Ghana in the African Cup final in January has quit as the coach of the Ivorian national team.

Renard announced that a desire to seek new challenges is the motive behind the move, leaving the side that he agreed to coach a little under two years ago.

Renard achieved what many a coach before him failed to achieve, which was to translate the star studded line-up of Cote d’Ivoire’s golden generation into tangible success. Despite the best efforts of the Black Stars in the final in Malabo, Renard achieved his aim, beating Ghana to that elusive trophy.

His next step is a return to club management in Europe, with him heavily tipped to be the next manager of French side Lille, barring any unforeseen complications.