MADRID, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Ernesto Valverde announced on Friday that he will not continue as coach of Athletic Bilbao for next season.

"Hello everyone. I'm here to announce that I won't be the Athletic coach next season," said Valverde in a video posted on the club website and on social media.

"It's a decision I've been considering for some time, and I've discussed it with the club. I wanted to share it with you all," he added.

The decision brings the curtain down on 62-year-old Valverde's third and most successful spell in charge at the Basque outfit which saw him end Athletic's 40-year wait to lift the Copa del Rey in 2024, as well as leading the club to the semifinals of last season's Europa League and qualifying for this season's Champions League.

The club currently sits 10th in La Liga with 35 points from 28 matches in which it has suffered 13 defeats, compared to just six defeats in all last season. ■