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Michael O’Neill has left his role as Northern Ireland manager.

The 50-year-old's departure comes after UEFA were forced to reschedule the Euro playoffs due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

O'Neill had been juggling the international job with his commitments at Stoke City after being appointed Potters manager last November.

He was due to take charge of Northern Ireland for their Euro playoff against Bosnia-Herzegovina which was originally scheduled for March.

The game was then put back to June before being postponed indefinitely, with UEFA announcing yesterday that it hopes to fulfil the outstanding playoff fixtures in October.

The Irish FA said O'Neill's departure was agreed between both parties, with the former midfielder admitting that combining both jobs was "no longer possible" following a further delay to the Euro playoffs.

"After careful consideration and following discussions with the Irish FA I feel it is only fair that now is the right time for me to step aside," O'Neill said.

“I would have loved the opportunity to manage Northern Ireland in the UEFA 2020 play-off game versus Bosnia and Herzegovina and the chance to qualify for another major tournament, but the current situation means that this is no longer possible.

“It was important to leave the association and team in the strongest possible shape in order to not only have the best chance of qualifying for Euro 2021, but allow the new manager time to build upon the success that we have had during my eight year tenure.

“Throughout my time here, I have been fortunate to have worked with many great coaching, medical and support staff who have all contributed to our successes and shared in some great moments.

“As for my players, past and present, I would like to thank them all for an overwhelming level of commitment and professionalism that has helped to deliver so many unforgettable highs and great experiences for us all.

“I would also like to thank everyone at the Irish FA who have made the job a wonderful experience and especially Patrick Nelson (CEO), Leslie Caul and Gerry Mallon (IFA chairmen), Jim Shaw and David Martin (IFA Presidents) who have always been a great source of support.

“Finally, to the fans, thank you. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to manage my country and I will treasure my time as manager of Northern Ireland forever.

"The support you have provided myself and the team over the years has been incredibly humbling."

Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson described O'Neill's tenure as an "unforgettable chapter".

Northern Ireland reached their first-ever European Championship four years ago when O'Neill guided the country to the finals in France.

They would go on to reach the knockout stages before losing out to Wales, but the tournament will be remembered for that stellar night in Lyon when Northern Ireland defeated Ukraine 2-0.

There would be agony two years later, with Northern Ireland controversially losing out to Switzerland in a playoff which denied them their place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“It is within a unique set of circumstances that we bring our unforgettable chapter with Michael O’Neill to a close," Nelson said.

"His time as manager, as well as chief football officer at the Irish FA, will be remembered as some of the headiest for our fans and most success.

"We were all looking forward to having Michael back to lead the team in March for the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but, for obvious reasons, it simply wasn’t to be.

“Now that we have a clearer sense from UEFA on their next programme of games, it is the right time to move forward in a new direction to give Michael’s successor the best possible chance of planning for and competing in the Nations League, as well as gearing up for those crucial play-off games that will hopefully take us back to Euros next summer.

“We will work with our board to ensure the next manager is in place for the games in September.

“I would also like to place on record our thanks to Stoke City FC, in particular the Coates family and their CEO, Tony Scholes, for their openness and flexibility throughout this period.

“We also wish Michael the very best for the remainder of this season and beyond. He will always be welcome back at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.”