Juan Torrijo, is set to leave the club at the end of the season after five seasons as Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Head Fitness Coach.

The 49-year-old Spaniard former Valencia fitness coach who joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in the summer of 2012, was a pivotal figure in the clubs’ transformation.

Torrijo, helped guide the team to two League Championships, 1 State Cup, 2 Toto Cups as well as qualification to the Champions League group phase and 2 appearances in the Europa League Group stages.

Torrijo told the clubs’ official website: “It was one of the hardest and toughest decisions I had to take. After seeing the way of the club, I think we are leaving the club in a good way. We did a good job and now is the time to leave and give the club the opportunity to bring in people with fresh blood and bigger motivation. I would like to thank Mitch Goldhar, Jack Angelides for giving me this opportunity and always remember Jordi’s first call which took almost two hours because I wasn’t convinced I wanted to come and he gave me the last push to come and join Maccabi and I would like to say huge thanks for that. I would like to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who was working with me, many staff members, people at the offices, everyone at the club and especially the fans who made me feel at home in every game. Thank you and goodbye”.

Maccabi’s coach Jordi Cruyff, added:  “It is sad to see Juan leave Maccabi Tel Aviv but I understand his motives and reasons. Juan has been a vital integral and important figure in the clubs’ transformation to a professional football club of the highest level. Personally I thank him for his loyalty and dedication towards both the club and myself and wish him all the best in the future”.