Bitter with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) but full of praise for the players he coached for five years, Igor Stimac on Wednesday said he never expected to be “so personally invested” in the country when he first joined and lauded his wards for their “courage and character”.

Stimac, who was sacked after India lost to Qatar in their final second-round group match to bow out of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, has threatened the AIFF with legal action if it failed to clear dues in the next 10 days.

He has also accused AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey of breaching his contract multiple times and held him squarely responsible for the Indian team’s failure to progress.

The Croat has said that his stint here left him with serious health problems and he never wants to hear from the AIFF again. However, he expressed his affection for the players and fans in a note of thanks on his X handle.

“To all Indian football fans and my blue tigers, it’s been an honour to serve you over the last five years. I didn’t expect to form such a strong bond with this country and be so personally invested when I first joined you all,” the coach wrote, who is now back at his base in Croatia.

“I am proud of every player and team member. Together we were able to create an environment of hope and belief,” he added.

Earlier in the day, the AIFF released an advertisement for the head coach of the senior and under-23 teams.

Some of the key requirements to be eligible for the position include having a minimum of 10-15 years of coaching experience at elite youth and senior football. Preference will also be given to individuals who have prior experience of being a head coach at the World Cup.