(CNN) -- Martin Jol has turned down the chance to join English Premier League club Fulham after confirming on Thursday he will be staying as coach of Dutch giants Ajax.
Fulham wanted the 54-year-old to replace former coach Roy Hodgson, who joined Liverpool earlier in July, but admitted failure when a release clause in Jol's contract was proved to be invalid.
Jol, who spent three years as manager with English side Tottenham Hotspur, has now announced he will be staying with the four-time European champions.
"Ajax told me they did not want to let me go and I don't think I can bring myself to leave Ajax at this time," he told the club's official website.
"I came here last summer to be successful, to build a good team and to have fun, and those three things are what I am interested in achieving next season.
"I am pleased that this hectic few days is over. We are all going to do our best to get the team to the desired level".
Jol was rumored to be close to completing his switch after agreeing personal terms with Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh during talks in Amsterdam.
CNN
