Spanish coach Miguel Rodrigo has officially announced his farewell to "Thai Futsal," shutting down all social media accounts to cut ties with his past life and begin a new path.
On 20 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Miguel Rodrigo, the Spanish head coach, declared his departure from the "War Elephants" Thai national futsal team after completing his mission leading the team at the 33rd SEA Games 2025 hosted by Thailand. He announced plans to close all social media, sever his old life, and start a new journey ahead.
Miguel Rodrigo said, "Yesterday was a very special day for me, and I want to share this with everyone. Yesterday's SEA Games match was my final duty as a professional futsal coach. It was a very special day because it marked my permanent farewell to coaching, in the country I love deeply, which will always remain in my heart."
"Unfortunately, I couldn’t end it with a victory to bring happiness to everyone. Nonetheless, over the past two years, we reached the Asian Cup final and finished ninth in the World Cup. So, I am very proud of these great achievements."
"My reason for leaving professional futsal is very clear: I must return to Spain to start a new chapter in life and take care of my family. This is a personal and family matter, the most important thing in my life right now. I will no longer coach any professional teams, whether clubs or national teams. My playing days are over."
"From now on, I will focus on using all my knowledge and experience in my second passion: teaching children and new coaches. I will work with the amateur club Albolote FS in my hometown and gladly support anyone needing help."
"I want to say that when Adisak called me two years ago to assist the Thai national team during a delicate and difficult time, I had already retired from top-level futsal. But I did not hesitate to return to the country I love, since my brief stay here in 2016."
"These past two years have been amazing but came with heavy personal sacrifices being away from home at a time I should have been there. I promised my family futsal would no longer be my top priority. However, I devoted these moments with commitment, happiness, and love for all of you. I felt the love from day one, which motivated me to push forward with the sole goal of getting Thailand into the world’s top 10 and reaching the Asian Cup final."
"I owe a great debt of gratitude to the Football Association through my 'brother' Adisak, who tried every way to persuade me. But I confirm this is a decision I must make and cannot change."
"It was a firm decision. Thank you so much for everything. Thanks to my dear friend Adisak, the association, and Pang for trusting me. It has been an honor to be head coach of the great Thailand national team."
To Thai futsal fans,
I thank you for your support, love, and good wishes both on and off the field. I will always keep you in my heart and never forget you. I consider myself like a Thai citizen living in Spain now.
Finally, I want to thank all the players and coaching staff. I love you all. You are part of my memories and family. Without you, the wonderful experience of the past two years would not have been possible. I wish you good luck in the upcoming Asian Cup and hope you will ultimately win the championship. That is my heartfelt desire.
I will close my social media accounts (Instagram and X) because I want to completely cut off my "old life" to start anew.
I want to say with tears... goodbye, or perhaps better to say, "see you again," Thailand. I love you all very much.