The 26-year-old had been keen to leave the club after failing to earn regular first-team football, but had indicated after the appointment of Martin Jol as coach he was prepared to stay and fight for a place.

However, RTV Noord-Holland today reported he had told the club he was leaving and Ajax director Rik van den Boog confirmed: "Leonardo no longer wanted to play a role as a substitute and we can't offer him a starting place."