Leicester City have confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy has departed the club more than a month after their relegation from the Premier League was sealed.
The announcement came 34 days after the season concluded, with both parties reaching a mutual agreement to terminate the Dutchman's contract.
The 48-year-old, who took charge in December after replacing Steve Cooper, expressed his gratitude in a parting statement.
"I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club and to thank the fans for their support, and take this opportunity to wish the club well for the future," van Nistelrooy said.
Leicester City have confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy has departed the club more than a month after their relegation from the Premier League was sealed
PA
Van Nistelrooy's tenure at the King Power Stadium proved disastrous, with the former striker securing just four victories from 25 Premier League matches.
His side suffered 18 defeats during his brief spell in charge.
The Foxes endured a particularly torrid run between 14 December and 12 April, losing 15 league matches with only a solitary victory against Tottenham on 26 January providing any respite.
Leicester's struggles saw them finish the campaign in 18th position, 13 points behind 17th-placed Spurs.
Sean Dyche is the frontrunner to take over at Leicester after Ruud van Nistelrooy's exit
ReutersThe poor results meant Leicester's return to the Championship was confirmed with several matches remaining, ending their latest stint in the top flight after just one season back in the Premier League.
Sean Dyche has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at the King Power Stadium following van Nistelrooy's exit.
The experienced English manager has been without a club since his dismissal from Everton in January.
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Dyche spent nearly two years with the Toffees before David Moyes was brought in as his replacement. Prior to his Merseyside stint, he had a long and successful tenure at Burnley.
The potential appointment would require minimal relocation for Dyche, who currently resides in Nottingham, just up the M1 from Leicester.
His experience of working within financial constraints at his previous clubs could prove valuable, as Leicester face budgetary restrictions.
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The club had previously been linked with former Southampton boss Russell Martin, but he has since accepted the position at Rangers.
Leicester face an anxious wait over a potential points deduction for previous financial breaches, which could see them begin the Championship campaign with a negative tally.
The club's financial situation may also result in Dyche or any incoming manager operating with limited transfer funds.
Ruud van Nistelrooy struggled during his time at Leicester
PA
The delay in confirming van Nistelrooy's departure was reportedly linked to Leicester waiting for the next football accounting period to commence.
For van Nistelrooy, the Leicester experience represents a significant setback after building his managerial credentials at PSV, where he captured the KNVB Cup in 2023 and the Johan Cruyff Shield.
He also impressed during a four-match caretaker spell at Manchester United following Erik ten Hag's October 2024 dismissal, remaining unbeaten with victories over Leicester and PAOK, plus a draw against Chelsea.
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