Watch: Emotional Muscat says time is right for Victory exit

A teary Kevin Muscat admits he’s not sure what the future holds but simply knew the time was right to step aside as Melbourne Victory coach.

Muscat will walk away from 14 years at Victory as both player and coach after confirming on Monday he would end his association with the Hyundai A-League powerhouse.

He will take charge of Wednesday night’s AFC Champions League group stage game against Sanfreece Hiroshima before stepping aside.

It was an emotional Muscat that fronted the media on Monday to confirm his departure, content to walk away on his own terms.

“I have just got a feeling after 14 years the time was right,” said the 45-year-old.

“We can walk out amicably...rather than you guys [in the media] receiving a release saying we can't sit in the same room together.

"I don't really know (what comes next). I will take the time to go on holiday, that will give me time to focus on what is next.

"There wasn't one point. It's not something I have decided overnight. Things have been going through my mind."

Muscat was the foundation skipper of Victory back at the start of the Hyundai A-League in 2005/06, leading the club to two Championships as a player.

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As a coach he also enjoyed sustained success after taking the reigns full-time from Ange Postecoglou in 2013, adding another two Championships, as well as a Premiership and FFA Cup title.

“All the trophies were special and sweet," Muscat said.

"If I had to isolate one moment, we have done quite a few firsts...having scored the most goals in the A-League's existence, giving joy to our members and fans, wanting to play a certain brand of football a certain way.

"Winning away from home to do it [win the grand final] from fourth [on the table last season] was unbelievable.''

Asked the Hyundai A-League rival he loved beating more than most, Muscat said: "I can honestly say I never discriminated - I just wanted to beat them all.

"We somehow managed throughout our success on many levels to create rivalries; moreso from other clubs wanting us to be their rival.

"We've set the bar fairly high over 14 years and we make no apologies for that."

Muscat’s departure means six coaches who started the 2018/19 Season in charge are no longer at the helm of their Hyundai A-League clubs.