Andy Robertson has delivered one of the most heartfelt tributes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking to social media to honour the man who guided him through some of the most defining moments of his international career, as Scotland prepare to fly home from North America following their group stage elimination.
The context is one of raw emotion.
Scotland were eliminated after picking up just three points from their three group games, falling to defeats against Morocco and Brazil either side of a draw with Haiti.
The wait to progress from the group stage of a major tournament now stretches to 72 years for the Dark Blues, and within minutes of the final whistle against Brazil, the bombshell dropped.
Steve Clarke, who had signed a new four-year contract ahead of the tournament, announced he was stepping down as Scotland manager immediately, graciously waiving a substantial six-figure compensation package after more than seven years in the role.
Robertson, who joined Tottenham on a free transfer from Liverpool ahead of this summer, took to Instagram to pay tribute to Clarke in a classy and emotional address.
Robertson, one of only three players alongside Kenny McLean and John McGinn to start both Clarke’s first and last game in charge, made clear just how much the outgoing manager means to him and the entire squad.
“Gaffer, it’s a simple thank you,” Robertson wrote on Instagram.
“What you have done for our country will be remembered for years and years to come.”
“In time, the sharpness of the disappointment we all feel right now will fade but not only will your legacy remain, hopefully it will become even more impactful.”
Robertson then listed the moments that will live forever in Scottish football memory, moments that simply would not have existed without Clarke at the helm.
“Serbia away, Spain at home, Norway away and of course Denmark at home.”
“Games that will go down in Scottish folklore and outcomes that would not have been possible without you.”
“Those of us who were fortunate enough to be involved will know that these magnificent days and nights happened because of the standards you set.”
The left-back, who was forced off injured at half-time in the 3-0 defeat to Brazil, also issued a direct apology to the Tartan Army, acknowledging the sacrifices supporters made to travel to the United States and expressing personal regret at failing to deliver on the pitch.
“I know the sacrifices people make to afford trips like this, so I’m so sorry we were unable to deliver more for you on the pitch,” he wrote, before making a promise to the fans.
“The only pledge I can make to all of our supporters is that we will continue to fight to give you more tournament experiences and, hopefully, even better ones in the years to come.”
For Robertson, who has given everything to Scotland across 97 caps and four goals, the tribute was as dignified as the man himself.