Portugal Colonial - Iraola says now is 'right moment to step away' from Bournemouth

The Spaniard joined the south coast club in 2023 and led them to their equal highest top-flight finish of ninth last season, earning their largest points tally of 56, and reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals.

"It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together," said Iraola, who replaced Gary O'Neil as Bournemouth boss, in a club statement confirming his departure.

"I'm thankful to the players and staff that I've worked with, as well as Bill (Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley), who have all made my time here so special.

"As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support to myself and the team, and for that I will always be grateful. I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club."

Tuesday's announcement came just days after Iraola, who has six games left at Bournemouth this season, oversaw a superb 2-1 win away to Premier League leaders Arsenal last weekend.

- 'Instrumental' -

Foley, in the same statement, said: "Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club over the past three seasons. He brought intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch.

"We are incredibly thankful for his leadership and will always have great memories of our time working together, as well as the things we accomplished."

Bournemouth, who also confirmed fitness coach Pablo de la Torre will leave at the end of the season, reportedly wanted to keep Iraola but talks over a new deal were unsuccessful.

The 43-year-old Iraola, one of the most highly-regarded coaches in Europe, will now leave the Cherries for free at the end of the campaign.

Iraola has been linked with a return to Spanish side Athletic Bilbao and there have also been suggestions he could become the new full-time manager of Manchester United, despite the English giants' resurgence this season under caretaker boss Michael Carrick.

He spent 12 years at Bilbao as a player, making over 500 appearances for the club.

Iraola's final home game will be against Manchester City on Sunday, May 17, ahead of a trip to Nottingham Forest on the last day of the Premier League campaign.

He could bow out on a high by securing the first European qualification in Bournemouth's history.

They are currently 11th, two points adrift of a seventh-placed finish which would get them into next season's Conference League.

C.Amaral--PC