The 34-year-old former Juventus, AC Milan, Internazionale, Barcelona and Holland international started his career with the Amsterdammers, making his professional debut in 1991, before moving back to the ArenA in January 2007.

But with new coach Marco van Basten set to overhaul the squad, Davids has decided to head for pastures new.

He told the club's official website, www.ajax.nl: "On the one hand, I am sorry that we part ways, because I am an Amsterdammer and a real Ajax man. But I cannot stay with Ajax at any cost.

"I have said in the past weeks that the chance was small that I would stay.

"At this moment, I don't know what I will do. There has been plenty of interest. I am fit and feel good enough to keep playing at a high level."

Davids said farewell to the Ajax fans following Sunday's goalless draw against FC Twente, a result which consigned Adrie Koster's men to the UEFA Cup next season.

"When I played on Sunday, it did not occur to me that it would be the last time in an Ajax shirt," he said.

"But when I went off the pitch, it felt like the last time.

"For that reason, I made the rounds past the stands with (Atletico Madrid-bound) John Heitinga, a sort of farewell round.

"It is normal to thank the fans when you have played, but I did it a bit more thoroughly this time.

"At the beginning of next season, I will definitely stop by to say a proper goodbye to the supporters."