Liverpool FC have announced that Ian Ayre will leave his position as LFC’s CEO at the end of February to join Bundesliga 2 club TSV 1860 Munich. Ayre had a successful 10-year tenure at the Premier League club.

“There is no greater professional satisfaction for me than to leave Liverpool Football Club in much improved health throughout than when I joined the club in 2007,” said Ayre in an official statement released by the club on their website.

“This has always been more than just a job for me because of the emotional connection I have with the place. So, the only yardstick that has ever mattered, for every decision I have taken here, is whether or not it is in the best interests of Liverpool Football Club.”

“My journey here over the last decade has been a rich mix of challenges and opportunities, a journey only made possible by the outstanding people I have had the honour to work with along the way both inside and outside the club. As the club transitions to its next chapter, I made clear some time back that I felt that 2017 was the right time to step aside. As the club’s new structure starts to unfold, this is a natural point for me to say goodbye to the role of chief executive and to many friends, but my love and support for this great football club will continue as it has my whole life.”

Speaking on behalf of the club owners, Mike Gordon, President, Fenway Sports Group said, “Although this transition has been nearly a year in the making, today is still a difficult day – we are officially saying goodbye to Ian.”

“On behalf of (principal owners) John (W Henry) and Tom (Werner), I would like to place on record the outstanding contribution Ian has made to Liverpool Football Club over the past 10 years. It goes without saying that his leadership of LFC has been instrumental to the club’s progress under our ownership. It is a measure of his character and his commitment to LFC that we have been able to collectively plan and execute such a gradual, natural transition. On both a professional and personal level, he will be missed.”