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Cesare Maldini confirmed that Paraguay's World Cup exit marked the end of his spell in charge of the South Americans.

The Italian, who was only on a short-term contract covering the finals, will return to his homeland to take up a scouting role with AC Milan.

The 70-year-old guided Paraguay into the last 16 but they lost 1-0 to Germany on Saturday.

They held the Germans before Oliver Neuville's 88th-minute winner sealed their exit.

He said: "I'll go back to Milan because I have a job as an observer."

But he believes he did enough to overcome his doubters, many who questioned his dedication to the country he rarely visited during his spell in charge.

He said: "Paraguay has great unity and there are many young players so I think they have a bright future.

"It was a great job and a very professional team.

"I'm happy to get to the second round and to have such a balanced and strong team."

Maldini was contesting his third finals as a coach, having served as assistant to Enzo Bearzot in Italy's victorious 1982 campaign and led the Azzurri to the quarter-finals at France '98.