Cape Town - Manager Frank de Boer has explained the reasons behind his decision to part ways with Ajax Amsterdam amidst reports linking him with the vacant post at English Premier League outfit Everton.
Having steered his side to a runners-up spot in the Eredivisie this season, following a bitterly disappointing 1-1 draw with De Graafschap on the final day of the campaign, the 46-year-old confirmed his intention to depart the club in the near future.
De Boer will oversee Die Boeren for one last time when they face Chinese outfit Liaoning Whowin this week, before beginning the next chapter in his career.
While it is still possible De Boer could take a year-long break from football, he is expected to hold discussions with Everton in the coming weeks.
"I began to realise more and more that it was time for me to do something else," he told ajax.nl.
"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.
"I will always cherish the great memories here, and winning the 30th championship will always be the highlight. We gave many young talents the opportunity to break out.
"I know for sure that this will continue to happen in the next few years, too. That's the way it should be at Ajax. Wherever I am, I will be following closely. Ajax is my club, and it always will be."
Meanwhile, De Boer's twin brother, Ronald, has made it clear that Everton are currently leading the race to secure the services of the former Barcelona player.
"Frank is very much interested in the job," Ronald de Boer said on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show.
"He has taken his coaching career step by step. He started with the Under 12s, then the Under 19s and then he took over from Martin Jol (as senior Ajax boss).
"He is now ready for the next step. Frank has already showed with his five and a half years at Ajax he brings something extra into the game.
"The Everton board, of course, have to agree with it and there are a lot of other candidates who are capable of doing the job. We will wait and see."