Raymond Domenech said he felt a "genuine sense of sadness" as his colourful, controversial reign as France coach came to a bitter end with defeat at the hands of South Africa on Tuesday.
The 58-year-old has overseen a catastrophic World Cup campaign that saw star striker Nicolas Anelka sent home in disgrace after a foul-mouthed tirade against the coach followed by a players' strike over the expulsion.
On Tuesday, the 1998 World Cup winners conceded two first half goals against the hosts and had Yoann Gourcuff sent off as they saw their dreams extinguished in Bloemfontein
But Domenech said despite the rancour in the camp over the past week he had greeted his players at the end of the match, whom he praised for their efforts in their final Group A match.
It was "important to show them that I understand that they also had been through difficult times and they have given their best" in the match, said Domenech, who took France to the final in 2006.
He said no players had refused to play though he made several changes, including dropping captain Patrice Evra to the bench.
The Manchester United defender had been at the centre of drama on Sunday when the squad refused to train at their base in Knysna to protest against the expulsion of Chelsea's Anelka.
"I think we need to be dignified both in victory and defeat," Domenech said, adding it was too early to make judgements about the French campaign which yielded just one draw and a single goal.
Speaking about his time in charge, he said: "It's been a splendid adventure, six years with the French team. There have been great times and bad for everyone."
He said he wished his successor, Laurent Blanc, well, adding: "I am France's first new fan."
"I believe the team has a future and I wish them long life and that they will be able also to get to the next World Cup," he said.
Domenech refused to be drawn on why he had not accepted the traditional shake of the hand from South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.
"I have no intention of replying to this question," he said, when asked to explain his refusal.
Parreira, who won the World Cup with his native Brazil in 1994, tried to explain the snub.
"I believe it was because I had criticised his team after they qualified (when they controversially beat Ireland in the play-offs), but I really don't remember.
"This is what his assistants told me." - Sapa-AFP