Delio Rossi has thanked the Palermo fans for their loyalty after stepping down from his role as head coach of the Serie A.
Rossi, 50, resigned on June 1, bringing to an end an eventful two years in charge at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.
After joining in November 2009, Rossi guided the Sicilian club to fifth place and a Europa League berth in 2010.
He was sacked by president Maurizio Zamparini in February following a 7-0 thrashing at home to Udinese.
But Zamparini then performed a remarkable U-turn, dismissing replacement coach Serse Cosmi and re-hiring Rossi in April.
The re-instated Rossi then took Palermo to the Coppa Italia final, which they lost 3-1 to Inter Milan, before walking away from the job.
I want to thank those 40,000 supporters who were there for us at the (Stadio) Olimpico for the Coppa Italia final, Rossi said.
That night I already knew I would be leaving the club and whatever happened in the match, it wouldn t have changed my mind.
I think it is right for me to go. I lack the reasons to stay. One realises when it s time to go.
Maybe I could have stayed a bit longer, but it was right for the club to want to go in a different direction and to do what they believe is right.
When the president wanted to see me again, I told him personally what I thought.
While Rossi s departure may have come as a surprise to Zamparini, apparently the Palermo squad were well aware their coach was set to quit.
My players knew the truth and have always known it, Rossi said.
If you have noticed, before declaring my intentions, I wanted to talk with my players and look them into their eyes because I wanted to know what their opinion was.
So I went on my way and I wanted the president to know he shouldn t worry too much looking for a replacement.
He gave me the chance to coach a great team here and I wanted to thank him, but I don t have any reason to stay on.