Ajax chief exec Edwin van der Sar has announced his resignation.

The former Manchester United and Fulham goalkeeper became chief executive in 2016, but leaves with the club finishing third in the Eredivisie. Ajax failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2009.

"We have experienced wonderful things together, but it has also been an incredibly tough period," said van der Sar, 52.

"I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things. It doesn't feel good to take decisions about the future of this wonderful club in the coming period. That is why I have decided to resign."