RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has left Leicester following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, it was announced today.

Van Nistelrooy was appointed at Filbert Way in November but was unable to steer the club away from danger, with a return to the Championship confirmed with five games of the season to play.

The Dutchman called for clarity on his future following their relegation at the beginning of May, but has had to wait with the club finally confirming his exit this morning.

The delay is understood to have hinged around the start of a new accounting period, which begins on Monday.

With players due back in for pre-season training on June 30, the recruitment process for Van Nistelrooy’s replacement is well under way.

Van Nistelrooy replaced Steve Cooper on November 29 and won four points in his opening two games.

But that was as good as it got, as a run of 15 defeats from their next 16 matches sealed their fate.

Within that run, they lost nine successive home games without scoring — a new top-flight record.

Once relegation was confirmed, the Foxes improved, taking seven points from their final five outings to finish 22nd, 13 points from safety.

Van Nistelrooy called for talks with the club’s hierarchy as soon as relegation was confirmed, but was left hanging for a number of weeks.

The Dutchman said: “I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club and to thank the fans for their support, and take this opportunity to wish the club well for the future.”

The Foxes face the prospect of having to deal with a significant points deduction in the Championship, having been charged by the Premier League for breaking Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Leicester begin their season with the visit of Sheffield Wednesday on August 10.