Ruud van Nistelrooy finally leaves Leicester City after being left in no man's land

Ruud van Nistelrooy has LEFT his post as Leicester manager by mutual consent, the club have confirmed in a statement.

A statement finally confirming the news, which had been heavily speculated for weeks after the club's relegation from the Premier League, was released on Friday morning.

The statement read: “Leicester City Football Club and Ruud van Nistelrooy have mutually agreed that Ruud’s contract with the Club as First Team Manager will terminate with immediate effect.

“Ruud has overseen a challenging period for the Club. From his appointment in November 2024, he approached the role with professionalism, integrity and a clear commitment to our aims, including through the integration of several promising players from the Club’s Academy into our First Team environment.

“Ruud moves on with the respect and thanks of everyone at the Football Club for his dedication and hard work, and with our very best wishes for the future.”

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There was also comment from Van Nistelrooy himself, who said: “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.”

The club added: “Preparation for the EFL Championship season will continue with the planned start of pre-season on Monday 30 June. First Team coaching staff will oversee the delivery of those plans until a new manager is appointed.”

Uncertainty has plagued Leicester ever since relegation was confirmed towards the end of last season. Van Nistelrooy made it clear he was willing to stay but also that conversations regarding a plan for the club to bounce back next term had not taken place.

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And the silence from Leicester's top brass made a parting of the ways feel inevitable.

It was even claimed last week that Van Nistelrooy was only being kept in the post this long so the club could avoid a second managerial pay-off on their annual accounts, with a July exit mooted.

Sean Dyche was touted in the same report as a potential replacement for Van Nistelrooy, who has previously had spells in charge of PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United, the latter of which was in an interim capacity.

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