Heitinga has ‘mixed feelings’ after leaving Ajax and wants to return someday

Heitinga said in a tweet that he is leaving Ajax “with mixed feelings,” but with the ambition to one day return to the club, which he served as a player, coach of the Young team and in recent months as head coach.

Heitinga swapped Jong Ajax for the first team in January, as Alfred Schreuder’s temporary replacement. Two weeks ago, it already appeared that Ajax did not want to continue with Heitinga as head coach because of disappointing results.

Maurice Steijn was appointed as Ajax’s new head coach and on Sunday it appeared that there is no place for Heitinga in another position either. He still had a contract as coach of Jong Ajax until mid-2025.

So Heitinga is seeking a return and thanked the club’s supporters for their support. “Thank you for your years of support, Ajacieden! With especially the last six months.”

Under Heitinga’s leadership, Ajax finished in third place, condemning the club to participation in the Europa League next season. In the final of the KNVB cup, Ajax lost to PSV and in the Europa League, Ajax was eliminated by Union Berlin under his leadership.