Dick Advocaat has left Sunderland after turning down a three-year contract offer.
The Dutchman kept the Black Cats in the Premier League after replacing Gus Poyet in March and the Wearside club were keen to keep him at the Stadium of Light.
However, 67-year old Advocaat has politely declined the offer and will move on but has made it clear that it will not be to manage elsewhere.
"At certain moments in your life you have to make a decision and I am almost 68 years old now. A number of clubs contacted me but the decision was always Sunderland or nobody," Advocaat told the club's official website.
"I would like to thank the chairman (Ellis Short), (sporting director) Lee (Congerton), the staff and of course the fans. We gave everything in our time there and achieved what we set out to. Sunderland has been one of the highlights of my career."
BREAKING: Dick Advocaat has informed #SAFC he will not continue in the role of head coach. http://t.co/yGLfHVVvYUpic.twitter.com/PMOAXJjFmt
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 27, 2015
