The United Arab Emirates side decided to part company with the Brazilian just 24 hours after suffering a 3-2 Asian Champions League loss to Uzbekistan outfit Pakhtakor in Tashkent which ended their hopes of progressing to the last 16 from Group B.

A statement on Al Ain's official website revealed the decision behind the termination of the former Al Shabab and Al Hilal boss' tenure came after "reviewing the recent results of the team locally and continentally, which didn't match the ambitions of Al Ain to compete for titles or achieving results according to the strategy of the administration and ambitions of the fans".

The statement continued: "The new coach of the team will be revealed at the end of the season.

"The club administration would like to show its appreciation to Cerezo and his efforts with the team, where he tried his best to prepare the players to get good results despite the eventual disappointment that came from the failure to compete in the local and continental competitions."