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Martinez has announced his resignation as Belgium coach after their tame group stage exit at the World Cup.
"That was my last game as national coach today. Of course it's very emotional," the Spaniard said on Thursday after the 0-0 draw against Croatia meant Belgium missed out on the knock-out rounds at a World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Belgium rued a host of squandered chances from Romelu Lukaku, which ensured the last hurrah of their 'golden generation' ended in a dismal group-stage exit while 2018 finalists Croatia progressed.
The 49-year-old Martinez, who led Belgium to third place in 2018, explained afterwards he had already made the decision before the World Cup to quit after the tournament.
"You can imagine that I had many offers after finishing third in 2018, but I wanted to be loyal and fulfil my contract. Now our journey is over. But my decision has nothing to do with the elimination in the group stage," said Martinez, who'd been Belgium coach since 2016.
Belgium, ranked second in the world and semi-finalists four years ago, needed a win at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday to keep their hopes alive but could not break down the Croats who finished as group F runners up behind Morocco.
Substitute Lukaku fluffed four golden chances to break the deadlock as Belgium cast off the shackles in the second half, although Croatia had their own opportunities.
Belgium's 'golden generation', a collection of prodigious talents from the biggest clubs, had never tasted glory and with the brightest lights, such as Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, already north of 30, it is unlikely they will get another chance at the World Cup.
In an uneventful, cautious first half, there was, however, still some drama. Croatia were awarded a penalty in the 16th minute when Andrej Kramaric's toe was clipped by Yannick Carrasco and referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot.
Just as Luka Modric was preparing to take the kick, however, Taylor was instructed to view the VAR monitor and swiftly reversed his decision after checking for an earlier offside.
The automated system in place flashed up an image on the stadium's big screen that showed Croatia's Kramaric had perhaps strayed the width of a shirt sleeve beyond the last man.
Martinez rolled the dice at halftime, summoning Lukaku off the bench and the striker probably should have scored within minutes of coming on but his header at the far post was directed straight at goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Croatia were then foiled at the other end when Mateo Kovacic was played through following a powerful burst from centre back Josko Gvardiol but his shot was palmed over one-handed by Thibaut Courtois.
Marcelo Brozovic and Modric then stung the palms of Courtois, who got down low to his right to parry away both efforts.
It was then Belgium's turn to pile on the pressure. First Carrasco stormed through on goal before his path was blocked and the ball found its way to Lukaku who somehow hit the post with the goal gaping.
He then inexplicably headed over from close range, although replays showed De Bruyne had probably taken the ball out of play before crossing.
Lukaku missed two chances from point-blank range in the dying minutes, diverting Thomas Meunier's crisp shot wide and then looking on bemused as the ball bounced into his midriff with the goal at his mercy before it bobbled harmlessly to the keeper.
