Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted he loved his time at PSV despite announcing his departure on Wednesday.
The former Manchester United striker confirmed he would be leaving PSV by immediate effect after Feyenoord were crowned as Eredivisie champions last weekend. Van Nistelrooy has now walked out before the season's end citing a "lack of support" from the board as his reasoning.
It leaves him without a job and his assistant, Fred Rutten, taking over on a temporary basis. The Dutchman had done work in the youth ranks but his role with PSV was his first attempt at taking the top job. Following his departure from the Dutch side, Van Nistelrooy has opened up on his time at the club.
"10 years PSV, what a wonderful ride!" the 46-year-old posted on Instagram alongside a compilation of pictures from his tenure. "I was allowed to help youth players with great colleagues at the academy, so that they could make the step to Jong PSV, PSV 1 or to professional football at another club. Countless players that I now proudly watch in professional football, from KKD, Eredivisie, PSV 1 and major leagues in Europe.
"For 5 years I gained experience as an assistant trainer and striker trainer while I obtained my diplomas in the meantime. This was followed by 3 years as head coach at U19 and 1 year at Jong PSV.
"And then the ultimate: becoming the head coach of PSV 1. Winning prizes for this wonderful club with great supporters. Thank you for your unwavering support everywhere we played! PSV will always be in my heart and I will always support the club and the team."
Van Nistelrooy discussed his next move with former team-mate Gary Neville in a recent episode of the Overlap, during which he made it known that he wanted to be at PSV for the long haul with more silverware on his radar - only to have a change of heart since.
He said: "My ambition, I have to say, that it's here at PSV. I cannot see anything else. This is something I really want to accomplish and build on and get this club back at the highest level, competing for trophies and especially getting back into the Champions League."
Reports state that Van Nistelrooy had a strained relationship with his two assistants - Rutten and Andre Ooijer. His relationships with the players had also become increasingly tense, which was clear for all to see despite the capture of the Dutch Cup recently.
PSV need to avoid defeat against AZ Alkmaar on Sunday to ensure they do qualify for the Champions League, but will have to do so following a week of turmoil with Van Nistelrooy informing the players of his decision following a board meeting.
