John Heitinga salutes outgoing Ajax legend | OneFootball

Ajax head coach John Heitinga has paid tribute to his outgoing assistant Michael Reiziger.

Reiziger, a member of the club’s 1995 Champions League-winning side, will leave the reigning Eredivisie champions when his contract expires this summer to pursue a career in frontline management.

Speaking after Sunday’s 4-2 win over Heerenveen, Heitinga hailed the former defender’s contribution across his four years in the technical setup at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

“Everyone follows their own route. This is Reiziger’s choice and we have to accept it,” said Heitinga.

“I can only be positive about him, and I’m talking about Reiziger as a player and coach.

“He has definitely made a very big contribution to this club. He now wants to stand on his own two feet and that is his choice.”

Ajax sit three points behind Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord ahead of welcoming their arch-rivals to Amsterdam on Sunday.