Ajax have officially announced that Edwin van der Sar will be stepping down from his position as chief executive officer of the club during the upcoming summer.
Van der Sar, a former goalkeeper for Manchester United and Fulham, initially joined Ajax’s marketing team in 2012 and steadily climbed the ranks. His exceptional performance behind the scenes led to consistent speculation about a potential return to Manchester United, his former club.
Manchester United have been actively seeking a sporting director for quite some time and was strongly linked with Van der Sar last year. However, the Dutchman consistently expressed his commitment to Ajax, stating that he was not yet finished with his responsibilities at the club.
Nevertheless, Van der Sar has now revealed his willingness to part ways with Ajax. He will officially hand over his duties in June. As a show of his dedication, the former goalkeeper has agreed to remain with the club until August 1, providing assistance in the transition to new management.
ALSO READ: EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL: ‘I don’t think much about what I have won’ – Roma boss Mourinho
“After almost eleven years on the board, I am done,” Van der Sar said. “We have experienced wonderful things together, but it has also been an incredibly tough period. I am very grateful for the people I have met and worked with during my second career at Ajax, and what we have achieved and been through together.
ALSO READ:Â FIFA U20 World Cup: Flying Eagles face tough Argentina tie in Round of 16
“I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things. It doesn’t feel good to take decisions about the future of this wonderful club in the coming period. That is why I have decided to resign.”
Board member Pier Eringa added: “We wanted Edwin to stay, but he had made his decision. We have to respect that. The last season does not reflect the entire period that he has been in charge of Ajax. The club has seen a lot of success, has seen a lot of growth, and gained international exposure.
“His tasks will be transferred to the remaining members of the board. Edwin will be available for the transfer and advise until August. We expect to announce a new Board of Directors after August 1. It’s our ambition to add someone to the board with an Ajax background.”
Van der Sar, who worked with United boss Erik ten Hag at Ajax, has spoken openly of his admiration for the manager.
“He’s relentless, he wants to achieve as much as possible,” Van der Sar told The Times last year. “The training exercises, the way he wants to play.
“Of course, we tried to persuade him to stay, but Erik is someone who knows what he wants and the direction he wants to go. The moment United made their approach, it was obvious it was a big challenge for him and that he wanted to take it.“