Former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga has announced his retirement.

Heitinga has retired from playing at the age of 32, his club Ajax have announced.

A statement from the Dutch outfit on Monday revealed that Heitinga would be taking a job on their coaching staff.

He rejoined Ajax last summer from Hertha Berlin on a one-year deal and has made only two Eredivisie appearances since, both as a substitute.

Prior to spending 2014-15 in Germany with Hertha, Heitinga had five years in English football.

He signed for Everton in 2009 and went on to make over 100 Barclays Premier League appearances for the Toffees.