FC Groningen's legendary figure Jan van Dijk says goodbye to football on an emotional day. Former player and coach of FC Groningen Jan van Dijk stood for the last time on the sidelines as coach in a farewell match between Limburgia and a team of former players in Brunssum. After having a serious accident while mowing the lawn a year ago, 'Mister FC Groningen' has decided to stop all his football activities to focus more on his family. His wife Ineke and eldest son Gregoor had organized a farewell for him by bringing all sorts of old acquaintances to Brunssum. The team of former players consisted of names like Leonardo da Silva, Gène Hanssen, Edwin Linssen, Joost Broerse, Martin Drent, grandson Joy and of course Jan's eldest sons Gregoor and Dominique van Dijk. Youngest son Noah could not play due to an injury, but performed the kick-off of the match. Former colleagues Han Berger, Henk Hagenauw, Theo Huizinga and former players Jos Roossien and Joop Gall were also present in Brunssum. Van Dijk was active as a player for FC Groningen from 1975 to 1992, playing 537 games. He then became coach of the club and promoted it to the Eredivisie in 2000. It was an emotional day for Van Dijk, who was constantly surprised by men he had played with or coached at clubs like FC Groningen, Roda JC and VVV. However, most emotions came at the beginning of the day, when he was surprised at home by the arrival of some of his children. When they praised him as a father - and not as a player or coach - Van Dijk let the tears flow. After the match, FC Groningen's current technical director Mo Allach gave Van Dijk some gifts on behalf of the club and also advocated for a statue of him at the Euroborg stadium. After Berger and Gall had their say, the Limburg beer tap opened and Van Dijk could look back on a beautiful day and a wonderful career with great pleasure - and watery eyes. Next Monday, Jan van Dijk's farewell will be central to the last episode of Noord Scoort on TV Noord. Van Dijk's career at FC Groningen was long and successful. He was one of the most important players and coaches in the club's history. His farewell is a loss for the club, but also an opportunity to celebrate his career. FC Groningen will always be grateful to him for his dedication and commitment.