Iraola signs off after writing new Bournemouth chapter

Iraola announced in April he was leaving with the Cherries unable to agree a new deal, despite their desire for the 43-year-old to stay.

Former RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose was revealed as his successor and the man charged with the responsibility to continue the Cherries' rise.

After reaching the Europa League Iraola, who was applauded off by the Forest fans, has given his replacement the perfect platform.

"The Champagne is in the changing room, we were celebrating like we should," he said, having set a new club record in the Premier League with 57 points.

"I enjoyed every second with the fans, with the players, it is so nice to finish like this and to have something to celebrate. I have seen a lot of people who have supported me these three years.

"It's half term for the kids, I will stay in Bournemouth until July. Tomorrow, I will celebrate with the staff, I will go home at least for one week and take my time to make this decision [on what is next]."

It was not always straightforward for the Cherries this season, though, as they endured a two-month spell of 11 Premier League games without a win between November and January, emerging from it with a 3-2 win against Tottenham.

The loss to Arsenal on 3 January left them 15th, seven points adrift of the top six but the Cherries have not lost since.

They arrived at the City Ground on a club-record 17-game unbeaten run in the top flight having drawn with Manchester City on Wednesday. This draw extended the record.

An 18th draw of the season equals a Premier League record and ensured they did not lose to any of the other 19 clubs in the second half of the campaign.

"I wanted not to lose today because of this. It's been so nice, I want to finish it here because you cannot ask for much more," Iraola added.

Iraola also did it having been significantly weakened.

Dean Huijsen went to Real Madrid, Liverpool took Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi went to Paris St-Germain, Dango Ouattara signed for Brentford and Manchester City triggered Antoine Semenyo's £65m release in January.

The departures brought in around £250m which they reinvested in players like Adrien Truffert, Djordje Petrovic and Bafode Diakite – the most expensive summer buy at £34m. Forward Rayan, defender Alex Jimenez and midfielder Alex Toth arrived in January.

Iraola told Match of the Day: "I have enjoyed this so much and it is not easy. When you go to work with a smile, even in moments where results are maybe not as good, it is more a challenge.

"The atmosphere in the club is so positive. The club is growing. Now we are getting incredible results, it is good always to work in this kind of environment.

"I am quite hard but I have been really close [to tears]. I cannot ask for much more. I have been so lucky to be in this moment with this group at players with this club. I think it is the perfect ending and I am so thankful."