Louis Van Gaal retires from coaching

An esteemed career has come to an end for Louis Van Gaal as the Dutchman calls time on his work inside football management.

Active from 1991 until 2016, the former midfielder enjoyed great success on both the domestic and international scene and only took charge of six different teams across his many years as a coach.

That's a testament to his commitment to the project that sides like Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, and even Manchester United offered him, although the Red Devils parted company with Van Gaal last May.

Confirming his retirement to De Telegraaf, the 65-year-old stated that family reasons dominated his decision to end his time in management.

Louis Van Gaal's son in law Rein, married to Brenda van Gaal, suddenly died last month at the age of 43.

As a coach, Van Gaal lifted the Eredivisie four times - three with Ajax in the 1990s and the 2008/09 title at AZ - two LaLigas while in charge of Barcelona, the 2010 German Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, and, for Manchester United last season, the FA Cup.

He also guided the Netherlands to third at the 2014 World Cup and enjoyed a playing career across his country's top-flight.