Former Chelsea midfielder Didier Deschamps has resigned as coach of struggling Monaco.
Deschamps, who as captain lifted the World Cup for France in 1998, guided the Principality club to the Champions League final in 2004 where they lost to Porto.
Monaco finished third last season in Ligue 1 but have made a slow start this time round, having failed to move past the qualifying round of the Champions League.
They are currently 15th in the table and suffered their fourth defeat of the campaign at home to Rennes yesterday.
"It's his choice and we have to respect it," club president Michel Pastor said.
Assistant coach Jean Petit would take over on a caretaker basis, he added.
The 36-year-old former France midfielder was appointed Monaco coach in 2001 and had a contract until 2007.
The club have had a difficult start to the season, failing to move past the qualifying round of the Champions League.
Deschamps won 103 caps for France. He also won the European Cup twice as a player, with Marseille in 1993 and Juventus in 1996.
