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Frank de Boer steps down as Ajax manager

Andreas Manolis / Reuters

Frank de Boer has decided to part ways with Ajax after five-and-a-half seasons in charge of Holland's most successful football club, the Eredivisie side announced Thursday.

De Boer had one year left on his contract, but informed the club Thursday he'd decided to leave. He previously played for Ajax for 11 seasons.

The 45-year-old said he realised his time with Ajax was drawing to a close after the team failed to win the Eredivisie title over the last two seasons.

With many anticipating he'll manage elsewhere during the 2016-17 season, De Boer hinted he might instead step away from football for at least a year.

"I began to realise more and more that it was time for me to do something else," he said on the team's website. "That is better for me, and I believe that it will be better for Ajax too. I don't yet know what I am going to do. Being without a club for one year could be an option, I will see what crosses my path."

Legendary Dutch 'keeper and Ajax general manager Edwin van der Sar admitted he and club weren't exactly blindsided by De Boer's decision.

"This was not a big surprise, considering that we've been having conversations about his future and Ajax's in the past few months," Van der Sar said.

"But because the contracts of all of our selection players were extended and Frank is very proud, I still held out hope that he would fulfill his contract until the end."

Despite De Boer's possible leave of absence, the former Dutch international is considered one of the favourites to fill the managerial vacancy at Everton after his agent confessed his client would "love" to join the Toffees.

Related: Everton sacks Martinez after dismal season

De Boer leaves after guiding Ajax to four straight titles to begin his managerial career in Amsterdam.

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